Alberich

Alberich is a dwarf who plays a significant role in German heroic legend, appearing most prominently in the epic poems *Nibelungenlied* and *Ortnit*. The Old Norse *Thidreksaga*, which preserves German legends, features him under the name Alfrikr. His name, meaning "ruler of supernatural beings (elves)," shares linguistic roots with the French Alberon/Auberon and the English Oberon.

The character later gained new prominence when Richard Wagner incorporated him into his epic opera cycle *Der Ring des Nibelungen*.