Alberich

This name derives from the Old High German “Alberich,” composed of two elements: “*albiz” (elf, sprite, fairy, supernatural being) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). In turn, the name means “powerful elf, king of the elves.” Oberon is a king of the fairies in medieval and Renaissance literature. He is best known as a character in William Shakespeare’s play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which he is Consort to Titania, Queen of the Fairies. Alberich was the king of the dwarves in Norse mythology and is also present in the Nibelungenlied. Saint Albéric of Cîteaux († 1108), was a Christian saint and abbot, one of the founders of the Cistercian Order. In the Middle High German Nibelungenlied, Alberich is a dwarf, who guards the treasure of the Nibelungen, but is overcome by Siegfried. News of the gold robbery and ring of power incited both gods and giants to action.