This is John Kennedy with another Postcard from Abroad from the University of Kansas.
The majority of people in Iceland believe in elves, at least to some extent. According to lore, huldufólk (or hidden people) look like tiny humans with pointed ears; they live inside big rocks, and are peaceful unless you disturb their homes. When that happens, mishaps like freak accidents, theft and illness seem to occur. As a result, Icelanders make sure to keep their elves happy. Construction companies hire consultants to check proposed sites for elvish rocks before breaking ground and roads are often rerouted to avoid moving rocks that might house huldufólk. Belief in elves has actually had a monumental impact on conservation in Iceland, including a legislative act that protects sites traditionally thought to be homes for elves. Now that’s some elfin magic!
With thanks to Jennifer Duhamel of the KU Center for Global and International Studies for this text, this is John Kennedy. Wish you were here.
