A troll is a being in Scandinavian folklore, including Norse mythology. Vikings believe they dwell in the mountains or under the bridges. Yule Lads on a billboard inside a state park in Iceland, where they are reputed to live. In the Elves School of Iceland, there are compiled files about encounters of Icelanders and these creatures. In a 2007 study by the University of Iceland 80% of those surveyed refused to deny that elves are real. Whether that be supernatural storms or fierce whale-wizards. In my opinion, the key is not if we Icelanders believe in trolls and elves or if we do not. You read that right. Some people are in fact dedicated fans of elves. Tales of trolls, elves and giants are tied to the land. It is no coincidence that these tales often center around the incredible natural phenomena of Iceland. Well, it depends on what kind of troll you’re talking about. According to their version of troll folklore, trolls are mainly mountain-dwelling creatures that get around in the night. They don't wear red, and they're not jolly: the 13 Santas who usher in Christmas in Iceland are descendants of trolls and ogres who revel in terrifying young children. Including their surprising impact on the built environment. Ever wish that you had a friend in every country to show you the secret spots, share the inside stories and venture off-the-beaten-path with? They also have quick tempers and will put curses on people if they do something wrong. The Yule Lads come out to play and sometimes create mischief every Christmas season. The word was initially reserved for evil spirits, but it soon became useful to name those beings we all know as trolls. Around Iceland. A huge part of the folklore of Nepal that crossed borders. The presence of trolls in Iceland is very much woven into the fabric of life on this far-flung Island. After that, all went smoothly. Elves and trolls in particular are especially present in the lives of Icelandic people. The Icelandic word troll comes from the verb „Trylla” which has two meanings. Many trolls lived in the remote mountains of the island and came down to forage for food. Where do all these mythical creatures come from then? BBC Earth's Melissa Hogenboom travelled to Iceland to search for trolls. Years back, equipment continually broke down when workers were laying Trolls are depicted in a variety of media in modern popular culture. Quite an unsettling troll indeed and the reason why most children behave well in December. They used to live in the mountains and hide them to only come up down for food. Let’s start with the celebrities. Among the most important Icelandic trolls names, we can distinguish two based on their type. Elves and Trolls in Iceland Elves and trolls are treated very differently in terms of reverence in Iceland. In Old Norse sources, beings described as trolls dwell in isolated rocks, mountains, or caves, live together in small family units, and are rarely helpful to human beings. Nowadays they are mellower creatures and will reward good children with treats all through the Christmas season. For many people, these elven folk are very real. Icelandic troll folklore is rich in legends and stories about those giants, greedy, but wise creatures. And let’s not forget the Yule Lads, Iceland’s thirteen naughty Santas. We’re talking real life trolls. If you really wish to see some, but you are still somewhat scared, go to the South Coast of Iceland. It all goes back to the old Viking era, when the first settlers came to the island and made this place their home. Unlike trolls, elves have a kinder description and are far more attractive than trolls. They seem to have been able to lift their curse of not being able to be out in the sunlight, but that might have happened when they left their trickster and evil ways behind. Still, not everyone can see them. These are land spirits that have long protected Iceland from the perils of the oceans. But do not upset them if you do not want them to trick you. Iceland is rich of stories about hidden people and trolls and Icelanders have been telling tales and sagas for centuries and are willing to tell anyone who wants to listen. This manifests in an uncanny series of mishaps, accidents, and set backs for the crew and their project. And let’s not forget the Yule Lads, Iceland’s thirteen naughty Santas. Island - das Land der Trolle. Iceland Map Explained for Tourists. So watch out if you visit Iceland at this time of year. 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