A Dwarf is a creature from Germanic mythologies (Continental Germanic mythology), fairy tales, fantasy fiction, and role-playing games. It usually has magical talents, often involving metallurgy.

The original concept of Dwarves is very difficult to determine. Sources have gradually given Dwarves more comical and superstitious roles. Dwarves were certainly humanoid, but sources differ over their lifestyles, and their similarity to Elves (Dark Elves). They may have had a strong associations with death: paled skin; dark hair; connections with the earth; their role in mythology. They followed animistic (animism) traditions, showing similarities to such concepts of the dead (Ancestor worship). They were similar to others from the V�ttir family, such as Elves (Elf).

The remnants of the mythological Dwarves formed later fairy tales and folklore (see German folklore, English folklore and Dutch folklore) as well as elements of Fantasy literature.

The term dwarf (dwarfism) can now describe very short humans, regardless of its mythical origins. The universal modern description of a Dwarf is something short, usually associated with magic, fantasy, and fairy tales.