Folklore and the supernatural plays a large role in the beliefs of many modern-day Icelanders. Elves, trolls and ghosts are all part of Icelandic folklore, and thus, in some instances, allowances are made for the supernatural creatures.
While many Icelanders do not actively believe in elves, trolls and ghosts, most modern-day residents are hesitant to confirm that the creatures are fake.
“We are reluctant to deny their existence,” Dr. Arni Björnsson said in Cultures of the World. “It is really a form of skepticism. We live in a land which is highly unpredictable — what is grass and meadow today could be lava and ash tomorrow. So we have learned not to rely too much on the factual evidence of our senses.”
So even though Icelanders are skeptical, the creatures still have an undeniable place in Icelandic folklore.
The Friendly Elves of Iceland
According to Icelandic folklore, the elves were created in biblical times. God came to visit Eve, and Eve was unprepared, as she had not yet bathed and washed all of her children. She hid the dirty children from God. When God asked if all of her children were present, Eve lied and said that they were. God knew that she was lying, so he decreed that the hidden children would become the “hidden people” for all time.
The elves are friendly and human in form. They are said to be very beautiful and can only be seen when they wish to be seen. They are said to live under rocks and ledges in the countryside, but also show up in cities from time to time.
In order to move an elf home, elves must be consulted, and there are people who claim to be able to talk to the beings. For example, if a road is being built and there is a large rock in the middle of the path, someone who can talk to the elves is sometimes called in to ask the elves if it is OK to move the home. If the elves say yes, the rock is placed on the side of the road. If the elves say no, a roundabout is built in order to preserve the elf home.
The Evil Trolls of Iceland
Icelandic trolls are said to be large, ugly and mean. According to traditional folklore, the trolls cannot be outside during daylight hours. If they are caught in the sunlight, they will turn to stone. The Basalt Sea Stacks outside the city of Vík are perhaps the most famous frozen trolls.
Not all trolls in Iceland are evil, though. The most famous of the trolls are the 13 Father Christmases, who are said to leave small gifts in the shoes of children who have been good all year. Naughty children receive potatoes. The 13 trolls are the children of Gryla, a giant, lazy and ugly troll who is said to have eaten children who misbehaved.
The Ghosts of Iceland
Icelandic ghosts can be either evil or friendly, though most are said to be evil. Ghosts are said to be attached to the earthly body, and can either walk among the dead or return to life and walk among the living.
During earlier days, ghosts were said to have ridden houses, similar to the manner in which a person would ride a horse. Legend has it that ghosts sat atop houses, making a ton of noise as they kicked and whipped the house, encouraging it to move faster.
Today, many scholars believe that this particular story is easily explained away by sheep that managed to climb onto the grass rooftops to feed.
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