The Lore Behind the Northern Lights in Iceland – Folklore Friday

All Things Iceland

In the mystic landscapes of Iceland, the northern lights weave tales as ancient as the glaciers. According to some Icelandic folklore, these shimmering lights are more than just natural phenomena.

This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing a folklore story every Friday in 2024.

Folklore stories of the Northern Lights in Iceland

They are believed to be the restless spirits of the deceased, particularly those who have yet to find their final resting place. As the auroras dance across the sky, it’s thought that these spirits are performing a celestial ballet, painting the heavens with their ethereal colors.

Another enchanting legend tells of an arctic fox with a tail as swift as the wind. As this fox dashes across the snow-covered wilderness, its sweeping tail brushes against the icy terrain, causing the northern lights to ignite the sky. The vibrant glow of the auroras is said to mirror the fox’s fur, casting a luminous reflection on the snow and ice below.

The belief in dancing elves adds another layer of magic to the northern lights. In the quiet of the Icelandic night, when the sky comes alive with the auroras, it is said that elves and hidden people, known as Huldufólk, emerge from their secret abodes. These supernatural beings celebrate under the bright auroras, their joyous dances lighting up the night.

Some Icelanders have even claimed to hear faint strains of music and laughter accompanying the lights, a testament to the deep-rooted belief in the connection between the elves and the northern lights.

The Less Appealing Stories of the Northern Lights in Iceland

But not all tales of the northern lights are filled with joy. In times past, their appearance was often seen as a harbinger of bad weather or impending storms. The luminous displays in the sky were sometimes viewed with apprehension, signaling that nature’s fury was soon to be unleashed.

Yet, amidst these varied beliefs, the northern lights were also seen as a beacon of hope and good fortune. To witness the auroras was considered a stroke of luck, especially for those on the brink of a journey or a significant life event. The lights served as a celestial blessing, promising good luck and safe passage.

In the end, the northern lights are more than just a natural spectacle in Icelandic folklore. They are a tapestry of stories, each thread woven with the imagination and beliefs of a people deeply connected to the natural world around them. Whether seen as the spirits of the dead, the brush of a fox’s tail, the dance of elves, a warning of storms, or a sign of good fortune, the auroras continue to captivate and inspire, lighting up the skies and the hearts of all who behold them.

Random Fact of the Episode

The Northern Lights have been found to make a sound. According to a study from a Finnish researcher Unto K. Laine, the colorful displays of the Northern Lights produced a crackling sound which related to the electromagnetic renounces of the Earth! ⁠

Icelandic Word of the Episode

Norðurljós – Northern Lights

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