Ghosts, Trolls and the Hidden People : An Anthology of Icelandic Folk Legends

Author(s): Jonsdottir, Dagrun Osk,
Binding: Hardback,
Date of Publication: 01/05/2025,
Pagination: 288 pages, 23 illustrations,
Series: N/A,
Imprint: Reaktion Books,
Published By: REAKTION BOOKS ,
Book Classification: Iceland,
Dimensions: 215 x 165 x 30
ISBN13/EAN/SKU: 9781836390251

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This unique and enchanting book opens the door to a captivating world of Icelandic folk legends. The six chapters of this anthology are each based on a different setting: farm, wilderness, darkness, church, ocean and shore. It provides translated tales from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, as well as introductions by the editor which place these often-supernatural happenings in the context of Icelandic society. The legends include stories of hidden people, trolls, ghosts, sea monsters and even polar bears, exploring themes of love, revenge and conflict. The book highlights the tension between Christianity and paganism, past and present, nature and humanity, and divides within society.

Drawing from a wide variety of Icelandic sources, this book makes these colourful, entertaining, lively folk legends available to non-Icelandic speakers, many for the first time.