Whether or not the First of the Dáin truly exists is difficult to prove. He exists perhaps more as an idea than an actual being, although many claim to have seen him. He comes as a wraith to those who are lost in the mountains, to those who are ill with the fever, and to mothers who are unfortunate in childbirth. He is the reason why you tug your blanket over your head after having a nightmare, because you no longer can separate the dream from reality. He is the Dead Man, and Hell follows with him.

Volkmar Elkonin was the first among the dead, and also the first among the murdered. Not having anyone to guide him over to the world of the dead, he himself was chosen to ferry the souls of the deceased over to the other side once life escapes their mortal shells. Elkonin is everywhere and nowhere at once, and his mission is to salvage the stray spirits left behind once a person dies. Certainly the most level-headed, sensible and some would even say benevolent of the Barons, Elkonin is respected as much as he is feared, for the Horseman of Death and his scythe are known to find anyone they search for. Incidentally, death is just a side-effect of living, and the children of Åsgard are commonly reminded that playing out after dark or playing tricks on the wrong people are sure to make them face him sooner than they'd like. The stories usually serve their purpose.