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Glite Dictionary
Wayland the Smith

Wayland the Smith

9.9
A blacksmith and king of the elves in old European stories who makes magical weapons
  • proper noun
  • Literature
translation icon : Wayland el Herrero
  • In Norse mythology, Wayland the Smith was renowned for crafting magical weapons and treasures.

Examples

  • The legend of Wayland the Smith is celebrated in many medieval tales and ballads.

  • Local folklore claims that Wayland the Smith once lived near the ancient burial mounds.

  • Wayland the Smith is legendary.

  • Many know Wayland the Smith well.

  • In Norse mythology, Wayland the Smith was renowned for crafting magical weapons and treasures.

  • Local folklore claims that Wayland the Smith once lived near the ancient burial mounds.

  • The legend of Wayland the Smith is celebrated in many medieval tales and ballads.

Synonyms

Wieland
vsWayland the Smith
  • Literature
3 9.9

A legendary smith and elf king in old European stories

is identified with the Norse figure rather than just a general European tale
Wayland
vsWayland the Smith
  • Literature
2 9.9

A famous smith and king of elves in European legend

is tied specifically to a named smith identified with Norse tradition
Volund
vsWayland the Smith
  • Literature
1 9.9

A legendary Norse blacksmith in stories who makes powerful weapons

is the broader European legend linking that Norse figure to other traditions

Surface Forms

Wayland the Smith main

Morphology

Wayland + the + smith

The noun 'smith' makes it predictable that this phrase names a person with the occupation of a metalworker, so learners can infer 'Wayland' is a smith. However, the legendary, supernatural and cultural associations (king of the elves, mythological status) are not derivable from the constituent words or general composition, so full meaning requires prior cultural/lexical knowledge.

Etymology

Wayland the Smith comes from old stories about a powerful blacksmith who made magical weapons and fine treasures. Because he was seen as the best maker, his name in tales stands for a 'master craftsman'.