Icelandic Myths & Legends
Iceland, a land of fire and ice, is as rich in myths and legends as it is in its breathtaking landscapes. The allure of Icelandic mythology lies in its unique blend of the natural and supernatural, where every mountain, valley, and river has a story to tell.
Norse Mythology
In Norse mythology, the creation myth begins with the void known as Ginnungagap, a vast emptiness that existed before the world was created. From this void, two realms emerged: Muspelheim, a realm of fire and heat, and Niflheim, a realm of ice and cold. The clash between these two realms gave rise to the first being, Ymir, the ancestor of all giants.
As Ymir slept, he sweated profusely, giving birth to more giants. A cosmic cow named Audumla emerged from the ice of Niflheim, nourishing Ymir with her milk. Audumla licked the salty ice, revealing Buri, the first of the Aesir gods. Buri had a son named Bor, who married Bestla, a giantess, and together they had three sons: Odin, Vili, and Ve.
Odin, the Allfather, became the chief of the Aesir gods and the ruler of Asgard, the realm of the gods. Vili and Ve helped Odin in creating the world from the body of Ymir. They used Ymir's flesh to form the earth, his blood to create the seas, his bones to make mountains, his teeth to build cliffs, and his skull to create the sky.
The old Norse gods, including Thor, Freyja, and Loki, played significant roles in the Norse pantheon. Thor, the god of thunder, wielded his mighty hammer, Mjolnir, to protect Asgard and Midgard, the realm of humans. Freyja, the goddess of love and fertility, rode a chariot pulled by cats and was associated with beauty and magic. Loki, the trickster god, often caused mischief and chaos among the gods and giants.
Overall, the Norse creation myth and the old Norse gods provide a rich tapestry of stories and legends that continue to captivate and inspire people around the world. The intricate relationships between the gods, giants, and other mythical beings reflect the complex and dynamic nature of the Norse cosmos.
Trolls
When it comes to Icelandic folklore, one cannot ignore the fascinating tales of trolls that have been passed down through generations. These mythical creatures are deeply rooted in the country's history and culture, making them a captivating subject of study for locals and tourists alike.
In Icelandic folklore, trolls are supernatural beings that are often depicted as large, strong, and slow-witted creatures. They are believed to dwell in remote mountains, caves, and forests, away from human civilization. Trolls are known for their shapeshifting abilities and their aversion to sunlight, which turns them into stone.
Trolls play a significant role in Icelandic culture, influencing everything from literature and art to tourism and environmental conservation. Many Icelanders still hold a deep respect for these mythical beings, incorporating them into various aspects of their daily lives. In Iceland, there is a widespread belief among the locals that several mountains and boulders were once living trolls that eventually transformed into stone.
The tales of Grýla and Leppalúði, the troll parents of the Icelandic Santa Clauses, along with the Christmas Cat and the 13 Santa Clauses themselves, continue to thrive within Icelandic culture, enjoying a vibrant existence.
Elves and Hidden People
When visiting Iceland, one might hear whispers of mystical beings that roam the countryside. These beings are known as elves and hidden people, deeply ingrained in Icelandic folklore and culture. But who are these mysterious creatures, and what is their significance in Icelandic society?
Elves, also known as "álfar" in Icelandic, are believed to be supernatural beings with magical powers. They are said to live in rocks, mountains, and hidden places in nature. Hidden people, on the other hand, are similar beings that are invisible to the human eye unless they choose to reveal themselves.
Belief in elves and hidden people is deeply rooted in Icelandic culture, with surveys showing that a significant portion of the population believes in their existence. These beings are considered protectors of nature and guardians of the land. Many Icelanders take great care to respect the elves by avoiding disturbing their habitats or moving rocks where they are believed to live.
The belief in elves and hidden people has influenced Icelandic society in various ways. Road construction projects have been altered to avoid disrupting elf habitats, and some homes have been built with special doors to allow elves to pass through. The respect for these mystical beings is a testament to the deep connection Icelanders feel with their natural surroundings.
While the existence of elves and hidden people may seem fantastical to some, in Iceland, these beings are an integral part of the cultural fabric. Whether you believe in their existence or not, the stories of elves and hidden people add a touch of magic to the already enchanting landscapes of Iceland.
How I used these myths and legends to inspire my Land Wight Chronicles series.
These ancient narratives inspired the mythical fantasy novel “Awakening,” where siblings Freydís and Viktor, endowed with elemental powers, embark on a quest to awaken the ancient Land Wights of Iceland. Their journey is one of discovery and connection, as they seek the elementalists of air and water to prevent the cataclysmic event of Ragnarök, the end of the world as prophesied by Norse mythology.
The research process for “Awakening” and its sequel delved into the rich tapestry of Icelandic folklore, unearthing interesting findings such as the belief in hidden people and the respect for the spirits of the land.
I, myself, grew up with stories of hidden people, elves and trolls. One such story is that of when my grandparents were building their summer cabin and a large boulder fell right where they intended to raise it. My grandfather said they couldn’t build there. The place belonged to the elves, and they opposed any building.
My own Land Wight Chronicles series is a testament to the enduring power of these myths and their ability to inspire contemporary storytelling.
My knowledge and research of Icelandic folklore and legends also inspired the mythical creatures that appear in the series. The evil water spirit called Nykur or Nixie and Skoffín appear in the series. So do elves, hidden people, evil whales, trolls, and, of course, the Land Wights.
Land Wights, "Landvættir"
Many people might not know what the Land Wights are and that perhaps I created them myself. This is far from being true. The Land Wights, or "Landvættir" as they are called in Icelandic, are the ancient protective spirits of the country. They were closely associated with specific locations, and their well-being was believed to be directly linked to the fertility and fruitfulness of the land. These spirits could be benevolent guardians, but they also had the power to drive away unwanted individuals if they felt threatened or disrespected.
Let me tell you the legend of these spirits. A long time ago, during the reign of King Harald Gormsson of Denmark, a sorcerer was sent to Iceland to look for weak spots for invasion. The sorcerer took the shape of a whale and swam toward the island. As he approached the shores, the Land Wights rose to defend Iceland. A different spirit protected each quarter of the island.
A mighty dragon protected the Eastfjords. Its scales shone like molten lava and its roar echoed through the fjords. As the sorcerer drew nearer, the fiery breath of the dragon sent him back out into the ocean. Then the sorcerer swam north.
An eagle guarded the island’s north. Its wings spanned the horizon, and its eyes could see for miles. As it noticed the whale approaching, the eagle swooped down upon it with its sharp talons ready for attack. Again, the sorcerer retreated, and this time he swam west.
A powerful bull protected the Westfjords. Its horns were as strong as iron, and its bellow shook the earth. The bull met the whale with unrelenting force and pushed it away from the western shores. Now the sorcerer’s last hope was the south.
A colossal rock-giant protected the south. The giant towered over the landscape, and its strength was unmatched. With a single, mighty blow, the giant struck the whale, sending it reeling back into the depths of the ocean.
The sorcerer was defeated. He could not find a weak spot for invasion and he returned to the king and told him about the formidable guardians of Iceland.
Iceland’s coat of arms and currency even bear the images of the four land wights: the dragon of the east, the eagle of the north, the bull of the west, and the giant of the south. These figures are not just decorative; they symbolize the protection and strength these spirits provide to the nation and its people.
I used these four guardians as inspiration for the elemental spirits in my book. I changed the eagle to a griffin and gave each guardian elemental powers. The bull represents water; the griffin represents air; the giant represents earth, and the dragon represents fire.
In conclusion, Icelandic myths and legends are not just tales of the past; they are living stories that continue to inspire and captivate. Whether you’re a reader, a writer, or simply a lover of mythology, there’s a wealth of ancient wisdom waiting to be explored in the land of ice and fire. So why not delve into these myths and let them awaken your imagination?