Huldufólk (Elves) In Icelandic And Faroese Folklores

In Icelandic and Faroese folktales, the ‘hidden people’ (or ‘Huldufólk’ as they are known in both Icelandic and Faroese) are supernatural beings that reside in, beneath or behind the rocks. The term ‘huldufólk’ is a synonym of ‘álfar’ (meaning ‘elves’), and has been in use since at least the beginning of the 19th century in Icelandic folklore.

Victorian era illustration depicting forest elves by English illustrator Arthur Rackham. Image source: www.pixabay.com

Nonetheless, according to several recent surveys, some people do not distinguish elves from hidden people in Iceland. In the Faroese folklore, the ‘huldufólk’ are also referred to as ‘elves’, and are believed to dislike electricity, crosses and churches. Similar mythological creatures loosely connected to the ‘hidden people’ — aside from the elves — include the hulder (mesmerising, yet deadly, forest creatures), the pixies, the mermaids, the fairies or the leprechauns.

The extreme natural landscapes in Iceland were an important source of influence for the folktales concerning elves and other mythical beings in the Icelandic folklore.

The extreme natural landscapes in Iceland were an important source of influence for the folktales concerning elves and other mythical beings in the Icelandic folklore. Image source: Unsplash

According to the 19th century Icelandic scholar and folk collector Jón Árnason, the terms are indeed synonymous, but ‘álfar’ is a rather pejorative form for these exceptional beings. Written accounts describing the precursors of the elves/hidden people date back as early as the High Middle Ages in Iceland.

Throughout the 13th and 14th centuries, many books stemming from Europe arrived in Iceland. Since then, belief in elves steadily increased as the result of the extreme natural landscapes in the island. The precursors of the elves are also documented in the writings of the Icelandic poet and historian Snorri Sturluson, the author of ‘Heimskringla’. In addition to the writings of Snorri Sturluson, the elves are referred to in eddas as beings connected to the notion of fertility.

While it is debatable whether the ‘elves’ and ‘huldufólk’ are the very same beings among some Icelanders, the origins of the latter are even more mysterious. On the one hand, it is believed that these ‘hidden people’ are Eve’s hidden children from God. Eve is thought to have lied to God about the existence of her unwashed children and then God stated: ‘What man hides from God, God will hide from man.’

Map depicting the whereabouts of the elves in Iceland. Image source: www.trippingovertheworld.wordpress.com

Map depicting the whereabouts of the elves in Iceland. Image source: www.trippingovertheworld.wordpress.com

On the other hand, it is also possible that these ‘hidden people’ might have originated in the Icelandic folktales as of the cause of a mixed perception on elves from both the Norse settlers — who colonised Iceland in the late 9th century — and their Irish thralls. The Irish had the hill fairies while the Norse had the álfar. In the passing of time, it is likely that these two became separate entities, but ultimately it is a common root that they both share, albeit belonging to different cultures.

Nowadays, belief in elves among Icelanders is debatable and mixed. Some do believe in their existence, some are not sure whether they exist and some think it is impossible.

Furthermore, this can be even more problematic as sometimes road constructions are postponed or canceled in Iceland so as not to disturb the elves.

Pie chart depicting the percentages of Icelanders who still believe in elves. Image source: www.apetcher.wordpress.com

Pie chart depicting a survey on the Icelandic public opinion regarding the possible existence of the elves. Image source: www.apetcher.wordpress.com

Documentation sources and external links:

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3 Responses to Huldufólk (Elves) In Icelandic And Faroese Folklores

  1. george says:

    I think it’s very possible there were very distinct looking clans and tribes that a lot of stories are based on .

    • Victor Rouă says:

      Indeed, very well pointed! It’s a clear possibility! Thank you very much for your readership, time, and attention on The Dockyards! All the best!

      Sincerely and respectfully,
      Victor Rouă – Webmaster at The Dockyards

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