A Who's Who of World Mythology : Alberich


According to the Nibelungenlied and the Ring Cycle, the dwarf Andvari is known also by the name Alberich. He guards the treasures of the Nibelung hoard. He was also Aelf-Ric, the elf-king, which presupposes a hereditary position as guardian of the treasures in these legends, making Andvari a family name.

Draupnir was crafted from the Rhinegold stolen from the Rhine Maidens. Every ninth night, Draupnir let fall eight rings similar in design to itself. From Andvari, Loki obtained Draupnir in order to free his companion gods from hostage after they had accidentally slain Otter, son of Hreidmar, but not before Andvari laid a curse upon whoever might wear the stolen treasure. Hreidmar was murdered by his son Fafnir. Fafnir stole the ring and turned into a dragon through his greed.

Andvari is also the guardian of the Tarnkappe, a cape of invisibility. Siegfried was given this cape and the sword Balmung from Alberich’s treasures and used them to slay Fafnir.