Dwemer, meaning "Deep Elves", are a lost race that lived primarily in the region of Vvardenfell, but also had a presence in High Rock, Skyrim, and Hammerfell. They are often referred to as "Dwarves" in western cultures, although they were no shorter than a human and the name seems to have been derived from a supposed encounter with Giants who saw the Dwemer as short.[26] They were a reclusive, independent race, dedicated to the principles of Science, Alchemy, Magic, and Engineering. The Dwemer of Morrowind were engaged in conflict with the Chimer until they united to defeat the approaching Nords. One clan of Dwemer, the Rourken Clan, refused to unite with the Chimer and their clan leader threw his hammer, Volendrung, across Tamriel, declaring that the clan would settle where it landed. The hammer landed in what would eventually become modern day Hammerfell, explaining the region's name. The Dwemer soon began excavating into the Red Mountain of Morrowind, and found the Heart of Lorkhan. The Dwemer used it to create a new god, Anumidium, the brass god, a large stone golem powered by the heart. This is linked to their disappearance during the Battle of Red Mountain.