Easy to work and harder than steel, a mithril breastplate was a treasure indeed. Conventional weapons could not pierce the untarnished, silvery metal.

”Shields ye there can choose, and smooth-shaven spears, gold-red helms, and of Huns a multitude, silver-gilt saddle-cloths, sarks gory-red, the dart’s obstruction, and bit-gripping steeds.”

-- The Poetic Eddas, The Lay of Atli