The Norse dwarves are highly significant entities within Norse mythology. They are the makers of most of the artefacts of the gods, both Aesir and Vanir. Their dwelling places are two of the nine worlds upon the world-ash Yggdrasil, that of Nidavellir and of Svartalfheim.
They are known also as svartalfir, or "dark elves".
... friend Levin has returned Moscow from his country estate with the intention of proposing to Kitty. He first meets Stiva who encourages him in this plan, but, later ...