The Duergar Stars: The Four Dwarves
The Duergar are a race of crafters, makers, and generally creative beings, living underground in Svartalfheim in their kingdom of Nidavellir. We read of notable dwarf-demigods in history such as Dvalin, Ivaldi, and Andvari, but they actually have four Duerg-deities of their own, whom they honor. These are called the Dwarves of the Four Directions—Austri, Sudri, Vestri, and Nordri. When I looked at constellations, these four unexpectedly came forth and pointed to the Great Square in the sky.
That’s what the Chinese astrologers called it—the Great Square, and sometimes the Four Partition Walls. Vedic astrology called it the “Footstool” for its four legs and emphasized its stable nature. The Greeks attached other stars off one corner and decided that it was the front half of a horse, eventually Pegasus the winged horse. However, in most cultural astronomies it was only the square which created the asterism. The Four Dwarves were supposedly asked by Odin to watch and protect from the four directions, and they are represented by their people as the four seasons as well. The stars of the Great Square are simply named for them, but in Greek astrology they are Alpheratz, Algenib, Markab, and Scheat. I will give them in the order they came to me.
Vestri (Alpheratz) the Autumn Duerg is the most benevolent of the four. The Duerg-god for whom it is named is associated with the fruits of the harvest, and is generous and giving, the Coppersmith and Keeper of the Quenching Waters. Vestri’s star is said to bestow a contented disposition which makes for popularity, a keen intellect, and a philosophical bent. It is also counted to give decisiveness in leadership. (All four of the Duergar Stars seem to be associated with intelligence—the Gods of the Duergar dispense clear thought and creativity above all else.)
Sudri (Algenib) the Summer Duerg is stronger and more active, named for the fiery Goldsmith who blesses the Forge-fires. Sudri’s star bestows a penetrating mind and a strong, determined will, good memory and an inventive, fighting spirit. It can be a bit reckless and quick to anger at times.
Austri (Markab) the Spring Duerg is more reticent, named for the retiring Silversmith and Bellows-god. Austri’s star bestows intellectual alertness, a good head for figures, and general mental cleverness. Bernadette Brady says that it is a star of stability in a crisis, but it can also be stubbornness.
Nordri (Scheat) the Winter Duerg is the least benevolent of the four, as his gift is bound up with snow and ice. Named for the icy Iron-smith and Anvil-god, Nordri’s star bestows mental creativity, but only to those who discipline themselves against the blows of life. It is often a harbinger of difficulties and blockages which must be fought through for hard-earned inspiration. Sudri confers the urge to seek unpopular truths which will better the world.