Nordic folklore
Nordic folklore is the folklore of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. It has common roots with, and has been under mutual influence with, folklore in England, Germany, the Low Countries, the Baltic countries, Finland and Sápmi. Folklore is a concept encompassing expressive traditions of a particular culture or group. The peoples of Scandinavia are heterogenous, as are the oral genres and material culture that has been common in their lands. However, there are some commonalities across Scandinavian folkloric traditions, among them a common ground in elements from Norse mythology as well as Christian conceptions of the world.
Among the many tales common in Scandinavian oral traditions, some have become known beyond Scandinavian borders – examples include The Three Billy Goats Gruff and The Giant Who Had No Heart in His Body.
was a powerful Viking chieftain who lived in the Faroe Islands during the 9th century. According to legend, Tróndur was killed by a Christian missionary named Sigmundur Brestisson, who had come to the islands to spread Christianity. Tróndur's legacy lives on in Faroese folklore, where he is often portrayed as a tragic hero.
Tróndur
is a waterfall located in the south of Iceland, and is home to a number of folk tales, including one about hidden treasure that is said to be buried at the base of the waterfall by Þrasi Þórólfsson.[3]
Skógafoss
is a black sand beach located in the south of Iceland. It is known for its towering basalt columns and its sea stacks.[4] The beach is also home to a number of folk tales, including one about a pair of trolls who were turned to stone by the sun.[5]
Reynisfjara
: This traditional whaling practice is deeply rooted in the cultural history and mythology of the Faroe Islands and has been a significant part of their way of life for centuries. The Grindadráp is associated with various customs, beliefs, and rituals, including the importance of communal cooperation and the sharing of resources.[6] However, the Grindadráp is also a contested and controversial practice in modern times, with concerns about its impact on animal welfare and sustainability.[7]
Grindadráp
(Icelandic Sagas or Sagas of Icelanders) are a series of prose narratives about events that took place in Iceland in the 9th, 10th and early 11th centuries.[8] They are mostly based on historical events, but they also contain elements of fiction. The sagas tell the stories of the early settlers of Iceland, their families, and their descendants.[9] Íslendingasögur are considered to be some of the finest examples of medieval literature.[10] The sagas were originally written down in the 13th and 14th centuries, but they are believed to have been passed down orally for many years before that.[11]
Íslendingasögur
are part of the runic alphabet, used by various Germanic peoples, including the Norse.[12] In Nordic folklore, runes hold significant cultural and mystical importance.[13][14][15] They are often associated with the god Odin, who, according to myth, obtained the knowledge of runes through self-sacrifice.[12] Runes were used not only for writing but also in divination, magic, and as powerful symbols in Norse rituals, all together reflecting the interconnectedness of language, spirituality, and the mystical in Nordic folklore.[13] In modern Nordic culture, runes continue to hold symbolic and cultural significance.[16] While the runic alphabet is no longer in common use for writing, it has become a popular element in art, jewelry, and tattoos, often serving as a connection to Norse heritage and a way to express cultural pride.[17]
Runes
is an annual mid-winter festival that celebrates traditional Icelandic cuisine. The festival is named after the month of Þorri, which falls in January or February, and features dishes such as fermented shark, dried fish, and smoked lamb.[18] The festival also includes music, dancing, and other cultural activities.[18]
Þorrablót
The Norwegian , Halling, is characterized by its quick tempo (95–106 bpm) and features acrobatic moves. Typically performed by men during weddings or parties, Halling showcases athleticism through kicks, spins, and rhythmic footwork. The dance serves not only as a form of entertainment, but also as a display of skill and strength.[19][20]
folk dance
Birgit Ridderstedt
Danish folklore
Huldufólk
John Bauer (illustrator)
Norse mythology
a collection of Norwegian folktales
Norske Folkeeventyr
Thunderstone (folklore)
catalogued according to the Aarne-Thompson-Uther Index (in Icelandic)
Archive of Icelandic Folktales
by the University of Oslo (In Norwegian)