I don’t usually go into depth with the local folklore of the countries I visit. However, after exploring the lava caves and learning about the elves got me interested. Especially, with the local mythology having to do with the new Marvel movies. Yes, Thor is related to this Island way up North.
Lava cave tour guide telling us about the elves photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Mythology has never been my strong point. I was always been interested in the mythological adventures and thier characters. Sadly, at a young age I was discouraged to stop reading “fairy tales.” Coming from a Christian household, anything with multiple gods was against the house rules. So, it wasn’t until I was older that I got back into reading folklore.
The awesome thing about Iceland is that it’s a Nordic country. Meaning that it’s culture is similar to Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Yes, Iceland is home to the Vikings. All Nordic cultures share the same gods before christanity arrived. Having the Marvel movies being such a dominant force in Hollywood, the god Thor came to mind.
Being the god of lighting, Thor is claimed to be the protector of humanity. There are many gods like Odin and Loki. So many movies have been made out these gods from the Pre-Christian times. I could write 100’s of posts just on this topic. However to not get off topic, I will focus more on the elves of Iceland.
From what are tour guide told us, Icelanders are obsessed with elves. It’s really engraved in their culture. When something goes missing, they blame it on huldufólk or the hidden people. That’s what the people of iceland call elves.
According to the local folklore, elves live among humans in a parallel universe. Icelanders are told to not throw rocks in fear of hitting one of the hidden people. Some of the Icelandic people truly believe that if you anger the elves/huldufólk, they will get thier revenge on you. By casting spells, damaging your car or causing you to get into a car crash. Not the elves we probably grew up to know and love. These ones are not as kind.
Of course, not all Icelanders believe in this folklore. Actually, the mass majority believe the hidden people are just stories to scare children. Most believe these fairytales are used to keep children in good behavior. Looks like the locals are not fooled by the fairy dust. Our tour guide seemed to think otherwise. To me, it’s just another interesting part of the local culture.
Ps. Sorry for that random post that was untitled. Not sure why it was published. Must had a been a glitch with the wordpress application. Thank you all for the continued support!
Thank you for reading. Much love and safe travels!
Check out our e-book “How to Travel for Dirt Cheap” by Hugo Morel for ways to make your dreams of traveling come without breaking the bank: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M848M47?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420&fbclid=IwAR0_mRF-eE9tODIshljVr7CQ8h6vKT6hHn_8gZfJ94DySY1ylPO2Itu2Qe0
thank you so very much for teaching me something today! 🙂
🙂
It’s unfortunate that your family forbid myths and folklore from other countries. I would have thought that being that your family was from another culture themselves, they would have supported you in knowing more about other cultures yourself.
I believe in elves and other unseen beings as it has been part of my physical experience. Findhorn, a spiritual community in Scotland, grows amazing gardens because they communicate with the devas, unseen beings, who take care of plants. Scientists have tested their soil and proclaimed it originally unfit to grow anything. Yet, via guidance and working cooperatively with the devas, they have developed amazing soil and grown vegetables and flowers to great sizes and a big variety, some that normally only grow in warmer climates, rather than in Scotland where they are located. These devas, elves, Sidhe and others live in another dimension. I do believe though that many folktales attribute dark agendas to these beings to like you say, scare children and keep them in line.
I read folktales, myths, etc to my son.
The Lorian foundation, started by David Spangler, a past head of Findhorn, offers nooks, free webinars, classes, and more about other beings and working in cooperation with them. The ones I’m referring to are in other dimensions, not parallel universes.
The founders of Findhorn have books about these devastating and their interactions. I receive newsletters from the Lorian Foundation.
I grew up seeing and talking to other beings and seeing other dimensions.
The you tube you watched were probably about how we are presently preparing to ascend to higher dimensions, moving onto our natural originally designed timeline and off this present dark timeline.
On my blog, empowerandbalance.wordpress.com I talk at length about my lifetimes experiences and my daily work to end this dark timeline. The dark beings you reference are part of that dark timeline. They don’t want people harnessing their true power and divine abilities. Many have been tortured and killed in this and other lifetimes for using these light based abilities, hence your fear. Others have had their abilities exploited and perverted for dark uses, such as the US military’s secret psychic programs and others.
There is much wisdom and teachings in the old folklore and folktales. I have never heard of the Findhorn or the Lorian Foundation before, but I am not surprised to find that such exist. I delved a bit into the supernatural, in my younger days.
This is so lovely! Thanks for sharing. Felt like I’m living in a fairytale 😃
I used to believe in elves/dwarves growing up in the same way I believed in time travel or teleportation. It’s also a cultural thing.
Great post! Very interesting.
Wow that sounds very interesting though. I noticed, hope to learn about these cultures!
Nice post! I didn’t know there are lava caves in Iceland. The mythology references make this a fun post.
Yes! I had a lot fun writing it! I will definitely speak about it more moving forward
I think that travelling teaches us so much and this was such an intriguing post!
Great post! Really fascinating, makes me want to explore the Nordic countries even more 🙂
Great post! 🙂 I LOVE folklore 😀 It’s so interesting to learn about other cultures and their beliefs! I remember reading about elves similar to this in a few fantasy novels, it’s nice to know where their roots are! 🙂
Thanks for sharing 😀
Very enjoyable and educational post. I like the idea of being able to blame an elf when I lose something. At my age, that sounds more enjoyable than worrying about the start or continuation of memory problems. Is throwing rocks the only way to anger huldufólk or are there other ways to piss them off. (I’m not spoiling for a fight with any hidden people . . . I just want to stay knowledgeable about the elves so I don’t needlessly stumble into a skirmish with them.) I do not wish to be seen as too cavalier about “elfenness”; I really do find folklore, mythology, and related areas fascinating. Some of the folklore that has been recorded in places like Appalachia, the Ozarks, and other similar places where settlements of people with common ancestry or religion are found has been determined, I believe, to originate in the European countries of origin. Oh, and before I go, do you think State Farm will reimburse me for several small dents in my car likely made by angry huldufólk?
Interesting information, thanks for posting
This is so beautiful… Glad you are catching up with the stories everyone
*eventually! Xx