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In myths from northern Europe, a legendary smith used supernaturalrelated to forces beyond the normal world; magical or miraculous skills to make weapons and magical items. Known as Wayland in England, the smith appears in Norsereferring to the people and culture of Scandinavia: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland mythology as Volund and in German mythology as Wieland. According to some stories, he was lord of the elves.

The son of a giant and grandson of a mermaid, Wayland served as an apprentice to the wise craftsman Mimir. King Nidud, an evil king of Sweden, captured Wayland and forced the smith to work for him. To prevent Wayland from escaping, the king cut the tendons in his feet, making him lame. He also placed the smith on a remote island.

Wayland took revenge on King Nidud by killing his...