MAIN Travel Tourist Attractions Iceland Myths & Fables

The original settlers brought Norse and Celtic mythology with them when they traveled to Iceland. The original Eddas and sagas are still read by schoolchildren in Iceland. After generations of living surrounded by the spectacular landscape and oceans, other tales have been added that have a uniquely Icelandic flavor.

When tourists visiting Gullfoss can agree that an ice troll and his white veiled bride are enjoying the scenery along with them, it is easy to understand the way legends of strange, otherworldly creatures have sprung up through centuries of Icelandic winters with tales shared in the long twilights. Ghosts, elves and other huldufolk dwell in the "hidden land" of Icelandic folklore.

Guardian spirits in the form of birds and bulls protect the land from foreign invaders and mermen and mermaids are often seen in the waters. Farmers moving stones in their rocky fields are careful not to disturb stones that are home to trolls. Road crews have been known to change the course of a road when the constuction disturbed the fairy folk enough to cause trouble.

Some of the creatures of myth bring good fortune while others bring sorrow, but all of the strange tales instill a deep respect for nature and the creatures that call Iceland home. They also provide amusing stories to pass on to children to teach them to be careful and kind.

Icelandic Folktales - Virtually Virtual Iceland brings you the tales of Loftur the Sorcerer, Deep are the Iceland Channels, The Guardian Spirits of Iceland, Jólasveinarnir - The Yuletide Lads, and a collection of Icelandic superstitions.

In the Land of the Fairy King: Iceland’s Elf School - Interested in learning more about the citizen's of Iceland's hidden world? An enterprising Icelander, Magnus Skarphedinsson, has opened a school focused on elves, light-fairies, hidden people, dwarfs, gnomes, and mountain spirits.

Hliðskjálf - Old Norse Mythology - A simple introduction to the Gods and Godesses who populated old Norse Mythology and set the stage for the growth of Icelandic folklore.

Álfar - Elves in Modern Day Iceland - Reuters story about elves and mediums who translate their wishes when Icelandic road crews run into trouble. A nice overview on the integration of mythology into the daily lives of the Icelandic people of today.

Scandinavian Collector's Club - Icelandic Trolls - If you doubt the existence of trolls, this charming story of mishaps on a modern road should give you some food for thought.

Icelandic Yule Lads - Gryla and Leppaludi were a fearsome couple who spirited away naughty children. Their 13 sons, the Yule lads - Jolasveinar - arrive in Icelandic homes starting 13 days before Christmas and according to tradition cause as much chaos as possible. Modern custom has them delivering gifts to children who have been good during the year.

Harsh and haunted - Icelandic travel brings thrills and chills along the way - A trek through the northern reaches of Iceland brings its share of spooky moments.

Jacqueline Simpson, Icelandic Folktales and Legends - The review of this book goes into a bit of detail on the two versions of 'The Origin of Elves' and other Icelandic hidden folk.

In the land of elves - Hafnarfjordur is the second largest port in Iceland. It is also in the special position of having elves as recognized citizens with civil rights..."the right to veto decisions made by the Municipality regarding new construction of any kind."