Alberich is a character from Germanic mythology, particularly known from the Nibelungenlied and Wagner's Ring Cycle. He is often depicted as a dwarf who possesses magical powers and is associated with the Nibelung treasure. Alberich's actions, driven by greed and desire for power, lead to significant conflicts in the stories. In Wagner's Ring Cycle, Alberich steals gold from the Rhine River and forges a powerful ring that grants him control over the world. His character embodies themes of greed and the consequences of seeking power at any cost, influencing the fate of gods and mortals alike throughout the narrative.