E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Duer’gar (2 syl.).
Dwarfs who dwell in rocks and hills; noted for their strength, subtilty, magical powers, and skill in metallurgy. They are the personification of the subterranean powers of nature. According to the Gotho-German myth, the duergar were first maggots in Ymir’s flesh, but afterwards assumed the likeness of men. The first duergar was Modsogn’er, the next Dyrin. N.B.—The Giant Ymir is Chaos. (See HELDENBUCH.)
