Quote:
Originally Posted by lwcamp
The minor Greek divine beings (nymphs, satyrs, nerieds, dryads, etc.) tended to play the same role as the fae in more northern Europe - capricious nature spirits who embody wildness not just in terms of place but also in character, such as in opposition to civilization and civil mores (giving us, for example, nymphomaina). The differences between a nymph and a huldra, or a siren and a rusalka are minor and largely cosmetic.
But if you still reject Greek sources, note that the dwarfs of Scandinavian mythology displayed abundant creativity in the realm of invention and construction. Of their own device and volition, they produced Mjolnir (Thor's hammer), Gleipnir (the ribbon that bound the Fenris wolf), Skidbladnir (a magical ship that can fold up and fit in a pocket), Gungnir (Odin's spear that never missed), Draupnir (a golden armband that could multiply itself), and many others. They were renowned for their craftmanship even among the gods.
Luke
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Celtic fay were a little different from Germanic not so much because Fae and Alvar were all that different but because Teutons had more to say about Dwarves. Celts liked it misty and a little spooky in feel a little like Slavs. Teutons could often be harder and sharper in the feel they want to convey.
An instance of that is in the Isles. When trolls migrated to Scotland they gained a little of the subtle fearfulness of Fair Folk instead of being the more muscular Scandinavian trolls.