Alberich

A dwarf in the German mythology, Alberich appeared in the epic poem or saga called Nibelungenlied. Alberich served as the treasurer first to Nibelung I, whose name was given to the land of Nibelungland. The people who lived in this land were called Nibelungs. The care of Nibelung's treasure was given to Alberich, as guardian.

At Nibelung's death, Alberich then served Nibelung's sons – Schilbung and Nibelung II. The brothers ruled Nibelungland as kings. Seeking adventure in foreign lands, Siegfried killed the two kings in battle.

Alberich, possessed Tarnkappe, a cloak that rendered the wearer invisible. Alberich used the magic cloak to defend the Nibelung treasure. Alberich lost the magic cloak to Siegfried. Winning the kingdom and treasure, Siegfried became the new lord or king of Nibelungland.

At Siegfried's death, who was murdered by Hagen, Alberich saw that the treasure rightfully belonged to Siegfried's widow, Kriemhild. Without the magic cloak (Tarnkappe), Alberich could not properly protect the enormous wealth from invaders, so the dwarf thought it was best to give the treasure to Siegfried's widow.

However, not long after Kriemhild gained the treasure, Hagen stole the treasure from her and sank it in the Rhine River. Kriemhild tried to regain Siegfried's treasure by marrrying a powerful king, King Etzel. However, it was lost forever when Kriemhild murdered Hagen.

It should be noted that after Kriemhild's marriage to Etzel, the Burgundians became indistinguishable from the Nibelungs.