Elves & Trolls in Iceland
One of the things that continue to fascinate visitors, is Iceland’s wonderful storytelling abilities. Over centuries, there have been many tales of elves and trolls residing in the country. These stories became so popular that they are now part of Icelandic traditions. As you browse gift shops across the country, you are likely to come across some of these stories in books and memorabilia. In fact, many Icelanders believe that elves and trolls exist. We will take a look at the stories, traditions, and customs behind these remarkable tales.
Origins
As the nation was isolated for many years, Nordic and Celtic settlers began telling wonderful tales that were shared through generations. It is believed that most of the inspiration for these tales came from the country’s mysterious landscape.
Christianity also has an important role to play in the development of these stories. In the Bible, it is said that Eve hid some of her unwashed children from God when he visited. It is these ‘dirty’ children that the stories of elves were derived from. According to the Bible, God cursed these children to remain forever invisible. He did, however, grant them the ability to make themselves visible from time to time. This created the idea of the Hidden Folk, which elves in Iceland are often referred to.
Elves and trolls are said to reside amongst the rolling hills, mountains and caves of Iceland. Each story has many important life lessons that continue to be taught to children to this day.
Elves
It is said that around 80% of Iceland’s population believe that elves exist. Many Icelandic customs and traditions are derived from these stories and they are widely celebrated today. Elves are also known as Hidden Folk, and they have been widely spoken about for thousands of years. The first idea of elves is thought to have come from the Bible, with the elves representing the unwashed children of Eve.
The elves that appear in Icelandic folklore are said to reside amongst the Icelandic hills. In fact, there are many unusual rock formations across the country that are believed to house the elves. Elves are known as tricksters and there are many stories of humans being fooled by these hidden beings.
When driving in the country you might spot rocks that have doors on them, it is believed that elves live in these rocks. You might have to keep an eye out so you do not miss it!
Trolls
In Icelandic folklore, trolls have their own story to tell. It is said that trolls live high up in the mountains and only come out at night. If a troll is caught in the sunlight, they will automatically turn into stone. As Iceland is adorned in many unique stone formations, this is certainly a comprehendible concept. In fact, there are a number of stones that are thought to have been trolls. The Reynisdrangar rock formation is believed to be the remains of two trolls who were struck by the sunlight as they struggled to carry a ship out to sea.
Grýla & the Yule Lads
One of the most famous Icelandic troll or giantess is Grýla. She is first mentioned in a 13th century text such as Íslendinga Saga and Sverris Saga, but she is not connected to Christmas until the 17th century. She is enormous and her appearance is repulsive.
The oldest poems or texts about Grýla describe her as a parasitic beggar. She walks around asking parents to give her their disobedient children, however her plans can be thwarted by giving her food or chasing her away. It is said that she originally lived in a small cottage, but later texts have her living in a cave (it appears that she might have been forced out of town). Grýla, as the tales are told today, can detect children who are misbehaving year-round. She comes from the mountains during Christmas time to search nearby towns for her meal. Once Christmas time comes, Grýla leaves her cave, hunts children and carries them home on her giant sack. She devours children as her favorite snack. It is said that her favorite meal is a stew of naughty children, she is said to have an insatiable appetite for it! But did you know that according to legend there is never a shortage of food for Grýla…….
When looking into the folklore, Grýla has been married 3 times. Her third husband is Leppalúði, he is said to be lazy and mostly stays at home in their cave. They are said to live in a cave at Dimmuborgir lava fields, with the big Yule Cat and their sons. Grýla is said to have to have a dozen children with her previous husbands, though they are rarely mentioned nowadays.
The Yule Cat is said to be a huge and vicious cat who lurks about the snowy countryside during Christmas time and eating people that have not received new clothes to wear before Christmas Eve. We actually have a saying in Icelandic about this, we say ” Að fara í jólaköttinn”. Though the Yule Cat is referred to as an ancient tradition, the written accounts have only been located as recently as the 19tgh century.
Then there are the Yule Lads, Grýla and Leppalúði son’s. They are 13 mischievous pranksters who steal from or otherwise harass the population. In the late 18th century there is a poem that mentions all of them, but in the mid 19th century an Icelandic author, Jón Árnason, drew inspiration from the Brothers Grimm and began collection folktales. His collection from 1862 first mentions the Yule Lads names. Then in 1932 the poem “Yule Lads” was published as a part of a popular poetry book by Icelandic poet Jóhannes úr Kötlum. The poem was popular and established what is now considered the canonical 13 Yule Lads, their names and their personalities.
The names of the Yule Lads are as follows:
Stekkjastaur (Sheep-Cote Clod), Giljagaur (Gully Gawk), Stúfur (stubby), Þvörusleikir (Spoon-Licker), Pottaskefill (Pot-Scraber), Askasleikir (Bowl-Licker), Hurðaskellir (Door-Slammer), Skyrgámur (Skyr-Gobbler), Bjúgnakrækir (Sausage-Swiper), Gluggagægir (Window-Peeper), Gáttaþefur (Doorway-Sniffer), Ketkrókur (Meat-Hook) & Kertasníkir (Candle-Stealer).
Traditions
It will be difficult to go on a tour through Iceland without hearing a story about elves and trolls. These tales have been around for centuries and have led to many traditions and customs that are still celebrated to this day. The most famous tradition is that of the Yule Lads. On the night from the 12th of December, children will place a boot or shoe in the window. Each night, leading up to Christmas Day, a different Yule Lad will visit the house and place a gift in the shoe. This is a very exciting custom for children across the country, and a lovely way to celebrate the Christmas period.
Another popular custom is Þrettándinn. This event takes place on the 6th of January and you see many bonfires across the country. These bonfires are also known as elf fires. The fires are lit to celebrate the elves who are thought to leave the residential areas and retreat back home at this time. It also marks the end of the Christmas period.
Where to find Elves & Trolls in Iceland?
While you will only ever see these hidden people if they choose to let you see them, you can visit sites where elves and trolls are believed to reside. Located close to the village of Vik, you can visit the Reynisdrangar rock formation, which is believed to be two trolls who were turned into stone after being caught out by the sun. For more troll inspired sites, head to Troll Woman’s Peak in West Iceland, and Troll’s Pass in the north. These are beautiful natural landmarks that are certainly worth visiting.
Perfect for families with children, the troll park at Fossatún in West Iceland offers visitors the chance to learn more about Grýla and the Yule Lads. You can even sit inside her cauldron and pose for a picture.
If you want to learn more about elves, trolls, and other magical beings, you can visit the country’s very own Elf School in Reykjavik. Here, you can take part in an engaging class that will provide you with even more insight into Iceland’s famous hidden folk.
Related blogs: History of Iceland / 7 Traditional Foods
