“This is a land where everyone is aware that the land is alive, and one can say that the stories of hidden people and the need to work carefully with them reflects an understanding that the land demands respect” – Terry Gunnell, a folklore professor at the University of Iceland
We have moved on from Wroclaw in Poland and its street dwarfs so I thought you might like some pictures of the Huldufólk. the “hidden folk” of Icelandic folklore who live in a mystical landscape of mountain passes with peaks lost in the clouds, of arctic chill, windswept valleys, gnarled volcanic rock, wild moss and winter scorched meadows.
“It’s sort of a relationship with nature, like with the rocks. (The elves) all live in the rocks, so you have to. It’s all about respect, you know.” – Icelandic Singer Bjork.
In a land like this. of fire and ice, a place that is wild and magical, where the fog-shrouded lava fields provide a spooky landscape in which it is possible that anything out of the ordinary might lurk, stories flourish about the “hidden folk”.
According to Icelanders these are the thousands of elves who make their homes in the wilderness, supernatural forces that dwell within the hallowed volcanic rubble and coexist alongside the 320,000 or so Icelandic people.
People in Iceland do not throw stones into the wilderness just in case they carelessly injure an Elf!
“It has caused a lot of arguments, as it’s something that’s very difficult to prove. Iceland is full of álagablettir, or enchanted spots, places you don’t touch – just like the fairy forts and peat bogs in Ireland. They’re protected by stories about the bad things that will happen if you do” – Terry Gunnell
If you are wondering where the Huldufólk are in my pictures? Well, according to Icelandic lore they are hidden beings that inhabit a parallel world that is invisible to human eyes, and can only be spotted by psychics and little children, unless they willingly decide to reveal themselves to people.
Sometimes however you can see their houses…
Have you been to Iceland – Have you seen the the Huldufólk?
Andrew as many articles as I have read yours are the only ones to speak of the elves. So intriguing to me. I haven’t seen them but should I get to Iceland I shall be on the hunt. 🙂
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It might take a while Sue, rather like waiting to see Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster. Are you back from Africa now?
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Yes we arrived home a few days ago. Such an astounding adventure.
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I look forward to reading about it!
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Thanks Andrew. 🙂
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We are going to Iceland in June. I will keep an eye out for them.
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Look for the little houses, they are easier to spot! I would like to visit Iceland in June with those nice long days to explore the country. I have only been in the Winter with long dark nights.
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Iceland is on my must-visit list.
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and so it should be. You would enjoy it I am certain.
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Been to Iceland but didn’t see any – just the houses!
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You would be lucky to catch a glimpse of these wee people. Did you like Iceland?
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Loved it – we went in June and the weather was mostly terrible but we still really enjoyed it and would go back in a heartbeat. Did you enjoy it?
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Yes, been twice but only in Winter. Trip one grey and overcast, trip two bright clear skies and the Northern Lights. I would love to go in the Summer months.
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Grey, overcast and icy cold was our June experience too!! We would love to go in winter.
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I think I’ll stick with the gnomes. I could keep my eye on them, Andrew. 🙂
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Where everyone understands the land is alive. Great post…
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Thanks for stopping by!
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Would very much love to go someday…
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I’d like to go back, it is a magical place!
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It’s been on my list for a long time. 🙂
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I’ve never been to Iceland but I hear from everyone who has that it’s definitely worth a visit. So I’ll put it on my bucket list and look for the elves while I’m there.
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It is an easy stopover on a flight from US to Europe!
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I’ll miss the dwarfs, but I like the concept of understanding that the land is alive. If only some folks with too much power here understood that.
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The Elves will have their day!
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And there was me thinking that Elves only lived in the North Pole? I guess they travel over to The North Pole to help out Santa? I only wish I had gone to Iceland when I was a little child. Maybe I would have seen them then? Then again, I probably would have been very frightened by them or they frightened me. Now I’m wondering why babies always cry when I come into the room.
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I think Elves respond to our human interraction.
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I am reminded of Lord of the Rings 🙂 Thank you for the photos 🙂
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Yes, I see that!
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I haven’t seen any of the little houses, as they most likely were covered by snow. I will look for them next time and of course for the elves.
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