Icelandic Folklore About the Northern Lights

What did our ancestors believe about the aurora? Keep reading for Icelandic folklore about the northern lights.

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Northern lights season is back! That’s right, from late August to early April, we are able to see the beautiful aurora dancing and twisting in the dark, night sky. Before the advent of modern science, people around the world had only theories and folklore about the cause of the aurora. Some said the northern lights were sent from our ancestors; others believed they were a heavenly battle between angels and demons. But what about the Icelanders? Keep reading for a roundup of Icelandic folklore about the northern lights.

Pink and green northern lights shimmer above the mountain Vestrahorn in south Iceland. — Pink and green northern lights dance about Vestrahorn. Photo by Stefan Liebermann.

A Celebration of Icelandic Elves

Icelandic folklore has many legends and stories about elves or hidden people known as “huldufólk.” The stories tell us that huldufólk live hidden amidst Icelandic nature. Elves might have a home in the middle of a mossy field, behind a special rock or hidden in a hill. Even today, some Icelanders still maintain a belief in these hidden people.

Icelandic folklore about the northern lights says that the aurora appears when the hidden people are having a party. On dark winter nights, elves come out from hiding to sing and dance together. Though few if any humans ever see the hidden folk, they do see the aurora shimmering and glowing in the night sky.

Northern Lights dancing above Hotel Rangá in south Iceland. Photo by Kristján Pétur Vilhelmsson.

Pregnant Women and the Northern Lights

According to one Icelandic superstition, if a pregnant woman gazed at the aurora, it could cause harm to her unborn child. As a result, her baby might be born cross-eyed. On the other hand, some Icelanders believed that the northern lights could actually ease women’s labor pains during childbirth. What’s more, some Icelandic folklore about the northern lights suggested that newborns would live a life filled with good fortune if they were born under the aurora.

These differing beliefs probably resulted from geographic isolation. Prior to the advent of cars, Icelanders had to cross the country on horseback. Rural communities had few newcomers, and folklore was passed down from generation to generation. As a result, stories and beliefs could differ from community to community.

Green northern lights dance above Hotel Rangá luxury hotel in south Iceland. — Green northern lights dance above Hotel Rangá. Photo by Herman Desmet.

A Sign of Bad Weather

Another Icelandic folktale said that northern lights were a sign that bad weather was knocking at the door. Icelandic winters are known for short, dark days and turbulent weather. Though sunny days do occur, there can also be intense storms full of heavy rain and vicious wind. On occasion, we even experience epic winter blizzards when the wind and snow swirl and dance so strongly that it is almost impossible to see your hand in front of your face.

Nowadays, we know that the northern lights are only visible on clear nights with not a cloud in the sky. So it is interesting to consider that these crisp, clear nights filled with northern lights were considered a precursor to more violent storms ahead.

Green northern lights above Hotel Rangá luxury hotel in south Iceland. Photo by Gísli Már.

The Spirits of Our Ancestors

According to some Icelandic folklore, the northern lights were said to be ancestral spirits. In fact, the aurora was thought to be the spirits of those who had died but not yet found a final resting place. On dark, clear nights the departed souls would dance as they looked for a place to finally be at peace.

Pink and green northern lights shine bright above Hotel Rangá luxury hotel in south Iceland. — Hotel Rangá northern lights hotel is the perfect spot to see this incredible natural phenomenon. Photo by Stefan Liebermann.

The Aurora and the Arctic Fox

Did you know that the arctic fox is the only land mammal native to Iceland? This cute creature usually stays out of the spotlight. In fact, it is extremely rare to spot an arctic fox in the wild. One Icelandic folktale about the northern lights says that an arctic fox is what makes the aurora appear. When the fox’s tail sweeps across the snowy ground, it creates the magical aurora that shimmers and glows in the night sky.

Northern Lights

Why is Hotel Rangá one of the best places in Iceland to see the Northern Lights? Click to learn more.

Nothing But Good Luck

Though some Icelandic legends considered the aurora a bad omen, other folklore suggested the northern lights brought good luck. People who were about to go on a journey or get married felt that the aurora symbolized a happy outcome for their new endeavors.

Two onlookers admire the pink and green northern lights shimmering above Skógafoss. — An epic shot of northern lights dancing above Skógafoss. Photograph by Stefan Liebermann.

Icelandic Folklore About the Northern Lights

We find it fascinating to learn what Icelanders of yore believed about the northern lights. Even during modern times, guests at Hotel Rangá often say that the sight of the aurora is life-changing. Try to put yourself in the shoes of ancient Icelanders and consider what the northern lights might have made them feel.

A pink and green band of northern lights stretches out across the sky over the Hotel Rangá Observatory. — Our Rangá Observatory has two high-tech telescopes. Photograph by Paige Deasley.

Hotel Rangá and the Northern Lights

After learning Icelandic folklore about the northern lights, it is time to start planning your trip to see the spectacle for yourself! We firmly believe that Hotel Rangá is the best hotel to see the northern lights in Iceland. Our rural property is far from major light pollution but just 2 hours from Keflavík International Airport. We offer guests access to gourmet dining, luxury accommodation and even a special aurora wake-up service. Contact the Hotel Rangá reception today to start planning your trip to Iceland.