Huldufólk
Gelogically, Iceland is fresh as a daisy compared to many other paers of the world. While most of Western Europe was well-settled, Iceland was still shaping and re-shapring itself. It is believe that some sort of recorded settlement dates back to 874, although there is some evidence of Gaelic monks settling earlier. Based on this, it should come as no surprise that their folklore and the beings that dwell on the island are equally fresh and new. Enter: the Huldufólk.
Huldufólk, also referred to the hidden people, are Iceland’s own nature spirits said to inhabit, and protect, the whole of Iceland. They're often compared to elves or fairies and are humanoid in apperance. They typically purposefully conceal themselves from human, but there are countless experiences and sightings of these strange creatures. Most describe them as wearing grey clothing and having black hair. However, it is said they can pass as normal humans if you don’t look too closely. They typically live in mounds that could easily be mistaken for hills. Because they are hidden, Icelandic folks are often warned off of throwing rocks, stones, or anything in nature for fear of hitting one of them by mistake.
As humans continued to inhabit the lands of Iceland and encroach and the land, the Huldufólk reacted. They retreated more to the wilds of the fields and cliffs by the sea. And, what land they had left they became very protective of. It wasn't enough for people to just be respectful on the land, the Huldufólk were known to be upset if rocks were moved, moss was disturbed, or anyone got within a certain distance of their settlements.
But the Huldufólk also grew more adventerous with the Islands newest inhabitants. They began to make sojourns to humans' homes to see if they would be made welcome. Sometimes, stories of the Huldufólk had reached human ears and they made sure to treat their guests with little gifts and much respect. However, if the Huldufólk did not feel welcome, they would bring misfortune and bad luck to the home. It was common to have tools go missing, holes in their clothes, or food that rot much too quickly.
I’m sure you can imagine this caused some early issues settlers as the land continued to be developed.
According to Ancient Pages, “In 1970, the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration had intended to blow up a series of rocks referred to locally as the Troll’s Pass, but was convinced not to do so. The road remains uneven to this day, but as of 2013 there had been zero traffic accidents on it, as the grateful elves protect those who drive near their home.”
One of the most common origin stories for the Huldufólk is that when God came to earth to visit Adam and Eve, Eve was ensuring the children all looked presentable. However, she didn't quite get to all of them, and hid some of them from God. When God found out she did that, and announced that What man hides from God, God will hide from man...enter the hidden people. However, this isn't the only origin story of the hidden people. Another story says that they are beings that live in a parallel universe and there is some ripping in the fabric of time that allows them to interact with our world.
If you're visting Iceand want to raise your chances of maybe seeing one of the hidden folks, you can do a few things to better your chances (without making them mad). Those days are January 6th, Midsummer night, Christmas Night, and New Year's Eve. The hidden people are said to move between houses on these days and on their ways to resettle they'll try to tempt humans with gifts. However, if you accept a gift you're said to lose your mind.
This photo is of Álfaborg, the castle of the fairies near Borgarfjörður taken by Wikimedia Commons user I, Schorle.