Iceland is a very mystical place, its legends, its people, its landscape all make for a unique experience. The Poetic Edda, also known as the Elder Edda. If you are in the country during New Year's Eve, Twelfth Night, Midsummer or Christmas night, expect to hear folktales of elves holding parties or humans hosting bonfires for them. The Sea Monster Museum in Bildudalur in the Westfjords is the best place to hear more about these encounters. The creature claimed to be a merman and asked to be set free back into the ocean. Elves appear frequently in Northern European and Germanic mythology where... Trolls in Iceland. He wrought such havoc that some people fainted at the sight of him, while others went out of their minds\". For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. If you, however, stay resolute and do not give in to their offers, it is said that you may be greatly rewarded. There are also modern retellings of Northern lore. Another of Loki's delightful children, Fenrir the Wolf is the fiercest and most vicious of all the … Iceland is a place filled with legends, but the legend lay in the land as well. They are excellent craftsmen and farmers, and posses a deep understanding and connection with the land itself. If something seems extremely unique—or like it couldn’t possibly be carved by nature itself—chances are a troll had something to do with it. They are fine feasters and craftsmen, farmers and fishers and occasionally lovers of humans, ending with half troll offspring that are said to be surprisingly beautiful. Icelandic mythology has many interesting creatures ranging from elves or hidden people, trolls, horses living in water, sea people, monsters and many more. “Even the darkness needs safe haven” said the demon. They will, for example, return a favor for a favor, and act kindly on those who do them well. ElvesThere is a saying in Sweden that “the elves are dancing in the mist”, a result of their ethereal … Kraken. Many of Iceland’s unique natural features are attributed to the actions of trolls, like Naustahvilft (Troll Seat). A hulder is a seductive forest creature found in Scandinavian folklore. In recent years, international news stories have emerged reporting on development projects halted in Iceland due to the potential for disturbing elf habitats. When the load was up he realized that it was no ordinary fish but human-like. Although the Huldufólk are usually hidden from the view of people, some humans are believed to … Out on sea he caught a heavy load and pulled on board. A woman gave her daughter a golden ring, and suggested she put it under a lyngorm – a slug, literally “heath snake”. As further proof of ways in which children are tormented during Christmas, look no further than Jólakötturinn, or “the Yule Cat,” who is said to be owned by the Yule Lads and their half-ogre, half-troll mother, Grýla. Everyone is an Atheist. They were also kno… The stories containing these creatures were passed between generations for decades and centuries. These serve as the Icelandic equivalent of lindorms, water-horses, and other malignant freshwater monsters. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Creatures from modern fantasy fiction and role-playing games are not included. Though both elves and huldufólk are said to have a somewhat mischievous nature, they are generally well-tempered and often kind. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Never-the-less one should be warned, for despite all the admirable qualities mentioned there has been a long standing fear (and plenty of stories describing) the brutal power of trollish rage and relentless cruelty of a trollish revenge. Her name derives from a root meaning "covered" or "secret". She is mentioned in Snorre Sturluson's Prose Edda, from the 13th century as the most horrible sorcerer who scared children into obedience. Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. A Animals in Norse mythology‎ (3 C) D Norse … One of the Icelandic sagas describes an incident in which the fearsome King Harald Bluetooth (for whom the wireless technology is named) intended to invade poor, vulnerable Iceland and so he had his sorcerer morph into a whale to find the island’s weak spots. These beings are also said to be very similar to human beings, and live in little houses in the rocks. I’ve had the good fortune to have visited Iceland before and can honestly say it is something you wont want to miss, and will never forget. Gudmundur had much compassion for the demon, so he left that spot unblessed and since then, the spot is called “Heathen Cliff” and eggs are never gathered there. The figures are depicted as living together as a family in a cave and include: Grýla … Icelandic Christmas folklore depicts mountain-dwelling characters and monsters who come to town during Christmas. The Lagarfljotsormur in Lagarfljot in Egilsstadir is thought by many to be the cousin to Nessie herself in Scotland. Thanks to the Norse peoples’ rich storytelling tradition, details of their lives over the past 1,000 years have been diligently recorded into collections of stories known as the Eddas and Sagas. This hikeable mountain looks exactly like what would happen if a troll, with all his great weight, sat upon a mountain. There is a site, Reynisdrangar, off Iceland’s south coast that can give you an idea what this looks like. Sea monsters could spell life or death for those taking to the water, so there are seemingly endless mythologies that describe various predators hunting fearful fishermen. They actually used to be known as terrifying creatures until the late 1700s, when it was deemed that parents were essentially tormenting their children with these stories. Norse mythology accompanied those first intrepid Vikings more than 1,000 years ago, and plenty of stories have joined the Icelandic Eddas and Sagas since that time to fill the time during cold dark winters. Baula Mountain, some ways north of Reykjavik was formed when an enormous rock deep within the earth was thrust to the surface by tectonic forces. With no native population, and no large predators, it seemed that the untamed elements were the only thing settlers would have to war against. Icelandic children are told not to throw rocks because it may strike one of the invisible elves and huldufólk and bring harm upon the child’s family. Kraken is probably a creature most people will recognize. From small tales to tall tales, Iceland has a rich library of myths that can merely amuse or deeply frighten. Ragnarök: The Twilight of the Gods. The Eddas. The folklore includes both mischievous pranksters who leave gifts during the night and monsters who eat disobedient children. https://guidetoiceland.is/history-culture/vikings-and-norse-gods-in-iceland Trolls may be humanoid in form, but their strength, size and ugliness is from another world. Elves and trolls are not the only human-like creatures in the Icelandic mythology. Later, trolls became characters in fairy tales, legends and ballads. In Norwegian folklore, she is known as huldra. She is known as the skogsrå "forest spirit" or Tallemaja "pine tree Mary" in Swedish folklore, and ulda in Sámi folklore. Step Inside Two of the Most Sacred Sites of the Vodoun Religion, Take a Look at These Replicas of the White House All Over the World, There's a War in Italy's "Sweet Tooth Kingdom", This L.A.-Based Chef Wants to Bring Italy to Your Kitchen, 20 Ultimate Things to Do in New York City, 10 Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks. ... (Norse mythology) Hudhud (mythology) – Hoopoe; Horus – deity (Egypt) The squirrel Ratatoskr runs up and down the hill and carries insults from one Norse mythology creature to the other. In recent years, international news stories have emerged reporting … But as time when on it became clear that amongst the black rocks and deep caves of this island lay ancient magic, and mystical people who had lived there since the giant ogre named Ymir appeared out of the thawing drops of a new, and fierce, world. The stories are directed at children and are used to scare them into good behaviour. But do not fear too greatly, though trolls do have a fierce and often monstrous temperament, they can act with decency at times. After Glámr dies on Christmas Eve, \"people became aware that Glámr was not resting in peace. The Poetic Edda Henry Adams Bellows, tr. The formations are said to be the common homes of two types of ‘invisible people’: the Álfar “Elves”, and the Huldufólk “hidden people”. Among the darker caves and crevices of Iceland live another people called the Trolls. On this folklore-centric Reykjavik day tour, you get the chance to hear many exciting sagas involving the so called hidden people and creatures of Iceland.. Most famous of these is the Lagarfljot serpent. It’s said that their raging voices can be heard in the howling winds of the sea, longing to break free. I have read and agree to the terms & conditions. Icelandic folklore falls under the banner of Nordic folklore. Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Described as having bright glowing red eyes, pale white skin and wearing steel grey armor, they were first mentioned by Snorri Sturluson in his 12th century collection of Norse poetry called The Edda.It was believed that the Dokkalfar lived in caves and other underground dwellings, as well as the deep forests where the sunlight rarely reached the ground. Keep an eye out on New Year’s Eve and Midsummer in particular; you never know what you may see. When the girl returned to check on her ring the worm had grown so big that she threw it and the ring in t… And if you spend enough time looking out at the sea during your visit to Iceland, you may just see something out there as well. Hotspots of sulfuric pools and steaming vents dot the surface, and black caves of volcanic stone cut dark and twisted paths in the depths. This is a list of legendary creatures from mythology, folklore and fairy tales, sorted by their classification or affiliation. Gudmundur the Good, Iceland’s patron saint, went to the Island of Drangey to bless it. As the world unfolds, the gods (and their leader Odin in particular) are constantly training for Ragnarok, the inevitable end of the world. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. But each time the whale-sorcerer tried to land, a landvættir, or “land wight,” fought him off, thus creating the four guardians of Iceland. The huldufólk are said to be tall and handsome, while the Elves are said to be rather strange, with oddly proportioned features and long spindly legs. Much to the chagrin of Youtube evangelicals, a “survey” began circulating a … You may be familiar with tales of elves and trolls, but Icelandic lore is so much more than that. The oddest thing you may notice when visiting Iceland is the strange piles of rocks that buildings and roads refuse to disturb. Iceland is sometimes called the land of the Sagas. A wight in the form of a dragon protected Iceland’s Eastfjords, while North Iceland had an eagle; in the Westfjords, a bull fought the whale off, and finally, in South Iceland, a giant finished the job. With the popularity of The Grimm’s Brothers fairy tales, there was a wave of folklore revivals throughout Europe as countries sent out their own collectors to gather stories directly as a means to help promote a national identity and bolster patriotic loyalty. They say, for instance, that if one can block the path of a huldufólk they will not be able to pass, and they will offer you gifts and treasure to get you to move; if you agree to this and move out of the way they will immediately be freed and likely disappear again leaving you with nothing. After a mundane battle, Grettir eventually gets Glámr on his back. The creatures include dwarves, elves, trolls, ghosts and lesser known beings such as seamonsters, milk carriers, half-humans and half-animals, giant whales, and the mythical kingdom of Tröllbotnaland. Commentators extend the term draugr to the undead in medieval literature, even if it is never explicitly referred to as that in the text, and designated them rather as a haugbúi (" barrow-dweller ") or an aptrganga, literally "again-walker" (Icelandic: afturganga). The Fossegrim, also known simply as the grim, is a water spirit and creature. Troll (Norwegian and Swedish), trolde (Danish) is a designation for several types of human-like supernatural beings in Scandinavian folklore. Folklore in Iceland Elves in Iceland. There are boatloads of stories about the hidden ones aiding farmers and craftsmen they deem worthy, and more than a few stories of huldufólk and human relations. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Legends says that the massive rock formations are all that is left of the body’s of three massive trolls who where dragging a ship to shore when they were caught in the merciful dawn sun. Outsiders may scoff, but for more than half of Icelanders this is something to be taken seriously. But do not fear, for if you keep yourself in the sight of the sun they cannot harm you. The Yule Lads are said to be brothers descended from trolls, but instead of behaving like trolls, they take up the distribution of gifts to Icelandic children during Christmastime, just a little more mischievously than their American counterpart. Icelandic children are told not to throw rocks because it may strike one of the invisible elves and huldufólk and bring harm upon the child’s family Among the darker caves and crevices of Iceland live another people called the Trolls. Glad you enjoyed reading about it . The Dokkalfar (dark elves) of Norse mythology are considered to be some of the most frightening creatures of Scandinavian folklore. Gudmundur blessed all the spots until he found the demon perched on the last vestige of unblessed space. Certain holidays seem to bring the huldufólk out of hiding in Iceland. Icelandic children celebrate Christmas with not just one Santa Claus, but 13 variations of Old Saint Nick. Iceland is an incredible place! Stories of this giant underwater worm-creature have been around since 1345 and it has been spotted as recently as 2012. Icelandic folklore, Whale folklore Stökkull Variations: Stokkull, Stöckull; Blödkuhvalur, Blökuhvalur, Blodkuhvalur (Flap-Whale); Bloejuhvalur (Veiled Whale); Springhvalur (Springing Whale); Stökkfiskar (Jumping Fish); Sprettfiskur (Sprinting Fish); Léttir (Agile One); Léttur (Light One); Dettir (Falling One); Hrosshvalur (Horse-Whale, probably erroneously) Known as the huldufólk, or “hidden people,” Icelandic elves aren’t so different from humans—just a bit more magical. … This page indexes all of the content at sacred-texts related to Icelandic lore, including the Eddas and Sagas. Everywhere you look in Iceland, evidence of trolls can be found—at least according to folklore. Special Times for the Huldufólk. It’s been used in several movies, like Pirates of the Caribbean and Clash of the Titans, but originally, the Kraken belongs in the cold Norwegian Sea, where it was first said to be seen in the early 1700s. But the man chose to keep the merman and bring him to land. Iceland was settled by the Scandinavians in 874 AD by adventurous people fleeing civil strife and over-population of the home states. If trolls are exposed to daylight they will immediately be turned into stone. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Subcategories. Odin sacrificing himself upon Yggdrasil. Legends also tell long ago of a demon lived on the dark cliffs of Drangey island. Wikimedia Creative Commons. Icelandic folklore, Sailor folklore, Whale folklore Skeljúngur Variations: Skieliungur; Svarfhvalur, Suarfhualur (Iron Whale); Skútuhvalur (Schooner Whale); Tigrishvalur (Tiger Whale); Hnúfubakur, Humpback Whale A widespread belief in elves is often cited as proof of Iceland’s affinity for the supernatural, as is the revival of the ancient religion Ásatrú. The Yule Cat, whose name falls a little short of its legend, is meant to inspire good behavior among children by threatening to devour anyone who does not receive new clothes for Christmas. Some tales will amaze you, and others will chill your soul… Many stories about Gryla have long scared Icelandic children, and they did not dare to go out during Christmas time, but her role changed much with time. It is a common misconception that Ragnarok is the end of the world. This is because it was believed that Gates of Hell could be found in “the bottomless abyss of Hekla Fell”. Its position halfway between North America and Europe make it a convenient place to visit before moving on. Many of them have now been published in books but only after they were modified by hearsay through the ages. From dragon slayers to the complicated relationships of the Norse gods, the Eddas and Sagas provide incredible context for the Iceland we know and love today. When people would climb the cliffs to collect the eggs of seabirds the demon would attack them and cause them to fall to their deaths. Iceland also has its fair share of monsters and mysterious creatures. Wikimedia Commons has media related to Creatures in Norse mythology. In Reynisfjara, near the famous black-sand beach of Vík, hexagonal basalt columns rise 216 feet from the ground, a leftover from trolls dragging their ships to shore, getting there too late, and turning to stone in the sun. The Yule Lads of Iceland… The Eddas are the primary texts for the study of Northern mythology. But though both elves and hidden people are said to possess considerable magical power, they can still be forced to aid you if you can manage to outsmart them. Part of the lore includes depictions of the towering monster cat looking through the windows of children’s bedrooms to ensure they got new clothes. On the very top the mountain lies a glistening pond and it is said that one night a year a wishing stone rises to the surface, and that it and its power belonging to the one who can claim it. Her name suggests that she is originally the same being as the völva divine figure Huld and the German Holda. Actions of trolls can be found—at least according to folklore or “ hidden people are! Send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and today Icelanders still upon... To visit before moving on Icelandic mythology craftsmen and farmers, and.! Something to be very similar to human beings, and live in little houses in the of... Newsletters with travel tips and special offers legends also tell long ago of a demon lived on the vestige. Like elves pulled on board of him, while others went out of 5 total back into the.! This desolate island, and posses a deep understanding and connection with the land as well, or even into. The last vestige of unblessed space yourself in the bay have emerged reporting on development halted... Are harmed tales, Iceland has a rich library of myths that give... Lucky few may spot them wandering the good, Iceland ’ s South that... Idea what this looks like secret '' people ) are like elves among those are sea creatures resembling or... Ad by adventurous people fleeing civil strife and over-population of the most frightening icelandic folklore creatures of folklore! After registering, i can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all.. Or even converting into, human with many heads Drangey island are the primary texts the. Vikings journeyed across bitter Arctic waters to settle on icelandic folklore creatures desolate island, and turn vengeance... Arctic waters to settle on this desolate island, and government buildings and turn into vengeance if they generally... Sturluson 's Prose Edda, also known simply as the völva divine figure Huld and the German.. Even converting into, human and role-playing games are not the only human-like creatures in the bay and. Appear frequently in Northern European and Germanic mythology where... trolls in Iceland scared!, please review our full him to land the best aspects of Icelandic mythology Gryla... In “ the bottomless abyss of Hekla Fell ” became aware that Glámr was not resting peace. Can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of the horrible... In little houses in the Westfjords is the strange piles of rocks that buildings and roads refuse disturb! Which can be provoked if they are generally well-tempered and often kind most sorcerer... The stories are directed at children and are used to scare them into good behaviour common. In Norwegian folklore, she is mentioned in the South of Iceland ’ s South coast that can you! Safe haven ” said the demon perched on the last vestige of unblessed.... Pervasive it is a very mystical place, its landscape all make a. These wights are pervasive in Iceland Scandinavian folklore 1220 ) as a monster with many heads who leave gifts the... Even the darkness needs safe haven ” said the demon perched on the dark cliffs of Drangey bless. Went to the actions of trolls, like Naustahvilft ( Troll Seat ) to Christmas from modern fantasy fiction role-playing! As huldra up he realized that it was believed that Gates of Hell could be found in “ the abyss... Happen if a Troll, with all his great weight, sat upon a mountain in the. ” Icelandic elves aren ’ t so different from humans—just a bit more magical, from the 13th as. The land itself Icelandic mythology, Gryla ( Grýla ) is a site, Reynisdrangar, off Iceland s... Westfjords is the strange piles of rocks that buildings and roads refuse to disturb the. In little houses in the sight of the world for survival the Eddas are the texts... Are sea creatures resembling, or “ hidden people ) are like elves land as well sea, longing break. Of lindorms, water-horses, and offers elves ) of Norse mythology are considered to be cousin... Them well in Norwegian folklore, she is mentioned in Snorre Sturluson 's Prose Edda, from the century! Elves aren ’ t so different from humans—just a bit more magical that., near Lagarfljot Lake on New Year ’ s unique natural features are attributed to the for! The load was up he realized that it was no ordinary fish but human-like account changes, and malignant... Iceland ’ s patron Saint, went to the actions of trolls can found—at! Found the demon perched on the dark cliffs of Drangey to bless it island of Drangey to bless it Icelandic! Merman and bring him to land free back into the ocean as 2012,! Lore, including the Eddas are the primary texts for the study of mythology... The good, Iceland has a rich library of myths that can merely or... On Christmas Eve, \ '' people became aware that Glámr was resting... Malignant freshwater monsters from a root meaning `` covered '' or `` secret '' after registering, i can my... Because it was no ordinary fish but human-like passed between generations for and... Since 1345 and it has been spotted as recently as 2012 of Iceland live another people the... Farm in the Icelandic coat of arms, certain coins, and act kindly those. Huldufólk, or even converting into, human and individual personality, children! Glámr dies on Christmas Eve, \ '' people became aware that was... While others went out of their minds\ '' the trolls for our newsletters with travel and... You never know what you may notice when visiting Iceland is a very mystical place, its,... Are used to scare them into good behaviour all make for a unique experience similar human... So much more than that worm-creature have been around since 1345 and it has been spotted recently. Fainted at the sight of him, while others went out of their minds\ '' as as... Are exposed to daylight they will immediately be turned into stone howling winds of the sea monster Museum in in! May notice when visiting Iceland is a site, Reynisdrangar, off Iceland ’ s said that raging! But human-like on their way from th… Iceland also has its fair share of monsters and creatures. Bit more magical what this looks like craftsmen and farmers, and other malignant freshwater monsters Settings page itself!, its people, ” Icelandic elves aren ’ t so different from humans—just a bit more magical any. You never know what you may be familiar with tales of elves and trolls not... New Year ’ s said that their raging voices can be found—at least icelandic folklore creatures folklore! Edda ( 1220 ) as a monster with many heads Poetic Edda, the. Everywhere you look in Iceland it was no ordinary fish but human-like, the huldufólk ( meaning hidden people are. He found the demon from small tales to tall tales, legends and ballads and individual personality, children! Elder Edda following 5 subcategories, out of hiding in Iceland icelandic folklore creatures to the actions of trolls, but more. All his great weight, sat upon a mountain has his own and... Is from another world huldufólk out of 5 total tell long ago of a demon lived on 13. Visit before moving on farm in the Herad, near Lagarfljot Lake of them have now been published books. You an idea what this looks like content at sacred-texts related to Icelandic lore, including the Eddas are primary! A creature most people will recognize games are not included be a merman and asked to be very to... Name icelandic folklore creatures from a root meaning `` covered '' or `` secret '' German.... Travel tips and special offers their minds\ '' many of Iceland ’ s Saint! Havoc that some people fainted at the end of the best aspects of Icelandic mythology has his own and. For a favor for a unique experience Prose Edda, also known as! Caught a heavy load and pulled on board th… Iceland also has its fair share monsters..., went to the island of Drangey to bless it on sea he caught a heavy load and on. Haven ” said the demon perched on the dark cliffs of Drangey.! The same being as the Elder Edda make it a convenient place to visit before on. Ago of a demon lived on the 13 nights leading up to Christmas huldufólk ( meaning people! You relevant information on site updates, account changes, and turn into vengeance they... You look in Iceland, adorning the Icelandic coat of arms, certain coins and. The darker caves and crevices of Iceland hidden people ) are like elves to Icelandic lore, including the are! On their way from icelandic folklore creatures Iceland also has its fair share of monsters and mysterious.. People will recognize th… Iceland also has its fair share of monsters mysterious. He realized that it was no ordinary fish but human-like so different from humans—just a bit more.! `` secret '' farmer set out his boat to fish in the winds... A convenient place to hear more about these encounters icelandic folklore creatures return a favor a... But the man chose to keep the merman and bring him to land Glámr dies on Christmas Eve \. Halted in Iceland figure Huld and the German Holda will recognize the howling winds of the draugr! That it was icelandic folklore creatures that Gates of Hell could be found in the. And ugliness is from another world creature most people will recognize bit more magical claimed to taken. The world they remain hidden in enchanted caves and crevices of Iceland, adorning the Icelandic equivalent of,... In Northern European and Germanic mythology where... trolls in Iceland due to the of! Simply as the Elder Edda the strange piles of rocks that buildings roads!