The Dwarven deities control various elements of nature and life. In the beginning of the world they fought the primordial Titans, and after that conflict they created the various races that now inhabit Aenín.
“Gûntera may be King of the Gods, but it is Helzvog who holds our hearts. It was he who felt that the land should be peopled after the primordials were vanquished. The other gods disagreed, but Helzvog ignored them and, in secret, formed the first dwarf from the roots of a mountain. When his deed was discovered, jealousy swept the gods and Gûntera created the elves to control Aenín for himself. Then Sindrí brought forth humans from the soil, and Urûr and Morgothal combined their knowledge and released dragons into the land. Only Kílf restrained herself. So the first races entered the world.” ~Head Priest of Barûk Hold
The Dwarf Pantheon is central to the mountain dwarf culture of Ûrad-Dum, and their kin around Aenín. Although some hill dwarves worship these deities, many pray to the Aenían Pantheon, or different gods entirely.
Gûntera
King of the deities and god of order. He is the husband of the goddess Kílf. According to legend, Gûntera was born fully grown from a she-wolf and then proceeded to battle with the primordials so that the deities could have a place in the universe.
Helzvog
God of stone and artistry. He was most beloved of the dwarves, for Helzvog created the first dwarf from stone. If a dwarf is buried in stone, it is believed that their souls will pass into Helzvog’s domain. If not, their soul will not rest.
Kílf
Goddess of water and life. She is the wife of Gûntera. The dwarves associate her with water lilies and coral (which they see as “growing” rock). She is described as having flowing hair and merry eyes.
Morgothal
God of fire and brother to Urûr. No one of the two brothers can live without each other. He is also the patron god of the smiths and warriors. Dwarves believe that honored dwarf warriors dine in Morgothal’s Hall when they die.
The magma that burns deep within the earth is said to come from the furnaces of Morgothal’s great forge. As a result, volcanoes are sometimes known as ‘Mouths of Morgothal’.
Urûr
God of the heavens and the air, brother to Morgothal. No one of the two brothers can live without each other. He is not often hailed, but can be worshiped by dwarven sailors.
Sindrí
Goddess of the earth, and as such she is prayed to by farmers, druids and other people that have business in Nature. She is more often honored by hill dwarves.
Notes
Author’s Note
This Dwarf Pantheon was based on the pantheon of the dwarves in The Inheritance Cycle and the world of Alagaësia by Christopher Paolini
Popular Riddle
There is a popular riddle amongst the mountain dwarves, of which it is claimed that every dwarf child knows. It goes as follows:
Tall am I young.
Short am I old.
While with life I do glow,
Urûr’s breath is my foe.
Can you guess the answer?