Wieland
Noun: 1. (European mythology) A supernatural smith and king of the elves; identified with Norse Volund: Wieland is a legendary figure, a master craftsman and magical blacksmith, often depicted as a lord or king among the elves. He is the direct counterpart to the Norse mythological hero Völundr (Volund).
The word "Wieland" is used almost exclusively as a proper noun to refer to this specific mythological character. It is primarily found in contexts discussing Germanic, Norse, or broader European mythology, folklore, and comparative literature.
- In the epic poem , the hero Wieland forges a suit of wings to escape his captivity.
- Scholars note that the Anglo-Saxon figure Wieland shares many attributes with the Norse Volund from the .
- The legend of Wieland represents the archetype of the divine or supernatural artisan.
- As an archetype: The name "Wieland" can be used to symbolize supreme, almost magical, skill in metalworking or craftsmanship.
- The engineer was hailed as the Wieland of modern aviation for his revolutionary designs.
- Wayland: The common Anglicized form of the name, as in "Wayland the Smith."
- Völundr (or Volund): The Old Norse name for the same mythological figure.
- Wēland: The Old English form of the name.
- Master smith
- Artificer (in the mythological sense of a magical maker)
- Völundr/Volund (the direct Norse equivalent)
"Wieland" refers to a singular, specific legendary character. It does not have a general meaning as a common noun (e.g., it does not mean "smith" or "elf" in a general sense). Its use is confined to the realm of myth and its literary or artistic adaptations.
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(European mythology) a supernatural smith and king of the elves; identified with Norse Volund