I have always had an interest in mythology and folklore… about mysterious occurrences or beings that were described in books, or from stories shared by our family and friends. Like the Lochness Monster (Nessie) or Bigfoot (Sasquatch and Yeti), most of us have heard or read about them before. There’s no solid proof of their existence (yet!), but it’s intriguing how so many people have had sightings describing the respective creatures in such similar ways…
I recently read an article about elves in Iceland… According to the article, elves have played a role in stopping many building projects in the past. Their potential habitats are taken into account in the construction industry as the native people of Iceland don’t want to disturb their environment. In a survey of 1000 Icelanders, 62% believe that elves do exist… that more people who believe in elves than not!
I thought that I’d share this news with everyone as I personally find it very interesting… Just because we can’t see something, does not mean it does not exist. I believe they exist although called by different names in different cultures. Do you think that these elves are real?
P.S My mother had the ’3rd eye’ and she can see mystical beings. She has been seeing invisible beings throughout her life. She never bragged about it, but would relate clearly what she saw. Her dreams were very accurate too as I experienced. My mom told me when she was growing up in Yugoslavia where she was born/raised before immigrating to US, she saw these mini elf people. She gave me clear descriptions of what they carry and all. She would see many mystical beings which I have related here and about the elves here. Do listen to the story about the elves from my mom. It would be interesting.
Tsem Rinpoche
Iceland’s Hidden Elves Delay Road Projects
By Jenna Gottlieb | Associated Press
REYKJAVIK, Iceland — In this land of fire and ice, where the fog-shrouded lava fields offer a spooky landscape in which anything might lurk, stories abound of the “hidden folk” — thousands of elves, making their homes in Iceland’s wilderness.
So perhaps it was only a matter of time before 21st-century elves got political representation.
Elf advocates have joined forces with environmentalists to urge the Icelandic Road and Coastal Commission and local authorities to abandon a highway project building a direct route from the Alftanes peninsula, where the president has a home, to the Reykjavik suburb of Gardabaer. They fear disturbing elf habitat and claim the area is particularly important because it contains an elf church.
The project has been halted until the Supreme Court of Iceland rules on a case brought by a group known as Friends of Lava, who cite both the environmental and the cultural impact — including the impact on elves — of the road project. The group has regularly brought hundreds of people out to block the bulldozers.
And it’s not the first time issues about “Huldufolk,” Icelandic for “hidden folk,” have affected planning decisions.
They occur so often that the road and coastal administration has come up with a stock media response for elf inquiries, which states that “issues have been settled by delaying the construction project at a certain point while the elves living there have supposedly moved on.”
Scandinavian folklore is full of elves, trolls and other mythological characters. Most people in Norway, Denmark and Sweden haven’t taken them seriously since the 19th century, but elves are no joke to many in Iceland, population 320,000.
A survey conducted by the University of Iceland in 2007 found that 62 percent of the 1,000 respondents thought it was at least possible that elves exist.
Ragnhildur Jonsdottir, a self-proclaimed “seer,” believes she can communicate with the creatures through telepathy.
“It will be a terrible loss and damaging both for the elf world and for us humans,” said Jonsdottir of the road project.
Although many of the Friends of Lava are motivated primarily by environmental concerns, they see the elf issue as part of a wider concern for the history and culture of a very unique landscape.
Andri Snaer Magnason, a well-known environmentalist, said his major concern was that the road would cut the lava field in two, among other things, destroying nesting sites.
“Some feel that the elf thing is a bit annoying,” said Magnason, adding that personally he was not sure they existed. However, he added, “I got married in a church with a god just as invisible as the elves, so what might seem irrational is actually quite common” with Icelanders.
Terry Gunnell, a folklore professor at the University of Iceland, said he was not surprised by the wide acceptance of the possibility of elves.
“This is a land where your house can be destroyed by something you can’t see (earthquakes), where the wind can knock you off your feet, where the smell of sulfur from your taps tells you there is invisible fire not far below your feet, where the northern lights make the sky the biggest television screen in the world, and where hot springs and glaciers ‘talk,’” Gunnell said.
“Everyone is aware that the land is alive, and one can say that the stories of hidden people and the need to work carefully with them reflects an understanding that the land demands respect,” he added.
Gunnell said similar beliefs are found in western Ireland, but they thrive in Iceland because people remain in close contact with the land. Parents still let their children play out in the wilderness, often late into the night. Vast pristine areas remain, even near the capital, Reykjavik.
And at Christmas, Icelanders await not just one Santa Claus, but 13 trolls known as the “Yule Lads” who come to town during the 13 days before Christmas. Each has his own task, putting rewards or punishments into the shoes of little children. They include Stufur, or Stubby, who is extremely short and eats crusts left in pans; Pottaskefill, or Pot-Scraper, who snatches leftovers; and Hurdaskellir or Door-Slammer, who likes to slam doors at night.
“If you ask an Icelander about elves, they might say they don’t believe,” said Jonsdottir. “But we always have stories of them, if not from ourselves then from someone close like a family member.”
Hilmar Gunnarsson, a writer in Reykjavik, fondly remembers a story his grandmother told him about a mischievous elf.
“She told me about (a pair) of her scissors that went missing and she was certain that an elf borrowed them,” Gunnarsson said. “She would not believe that they were just lost and she would not buy (new) scissors. She said the elf would give them back when he was finished. She said they were returned.”
One of Iceland’s most famous daughters, the singer Bjork, displayed no hesitation when asked by U.S. comedian and TV host Stephen Colbert if people in her country believed in elves.
“We do,” she said. “It’s sort of a relationship with nature, like with the rocks. (The elves) all live in the rocks, so you have to. It’s all about respect, you know.”
Elves, Ghosts, Sea Monsters & ETs In Iceland Investigation Into The Invisible World
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/ElvesGhostsSeaMonsters.mp4
Source: http://www.kansascity.com/2013/12/22/4707947/icelands-hidden-elves-delay-road.html
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This article was a very interesting one to read. I have heard of myths like Bigfoot and the Lochness Monster but this myth of Elves originating from Iceland is something I have not known of till now.
Though there have been no reported sightings of the elves, it is clear that quite a number of Iceland’s citizens believe in the existence of this elves so much so that they have set up a group that advocates rights in favor of the elves.
It is no surprise that many people in Iceland take elves seriously seeing that there have been cases that houses had been destroyed by earthquakes.
Rinpoche,
I am so happy to see that you have found this article, and the video about it on youtube. Stories of the elves, spirits, aliens, etc in Iceland, I believe, are very true and very real. These are crucial stories to know if you are interested in the paranormal. I theorize the location of the land of Iceland might have something to do with the increase perception of such energies. Also, they have a rich story telling culture and very open minds that invites them to feel such energies instead of ostracizing them for it.
I also find it interesting to hear Icelanders talk about being kind to the “stuck” spirits, because they do not mean to cause harm, but are just angry. This is very similar to what you said, in many Dharma talks, about being kind to spirits, because they are bound by attachments keeping them from moving on. Kindness and love will help them to realize this, and eventually let go of what holds them in limbo in the spirit world. Likewise, your advice on being kind to, or ignoring, spirits who are angry and they will just leave you alone, I believe to be true. It is my understanding that angry spirits can’t feed off of positive energy, and therefore can’t communicate with you or affect you. I am so glad that you found this youtube video! Thank you for posting the links to your Mother’s stories, I look forward to listening to them!
Many Thanks to You!
Hi Jen, thank you for your comment! Actually, you may be right – some people do say that Iceland lies on a meridian of sorts, where energy / ley lines that run throughout the earth converge at this one particular spot which makes it a portal into other realms. So the location of the land might have something to do with the increased perception of such energies, as you’ve stated.
Have you watched Insidious 3? In the movie, how the demon is defeated is when the girl shows no fear towards the supernatural and stands up to him. When the evil entity loses her fear as the source of its power, it is weakened and forced to loosen its grip on the girl. At that point, she can fight back.
So even in movies, they show that a lack of fear weakens spirits and generating positive energies like courage will protect us. And in the Buddhist context, not only does generating bodhicitta protect us from evil spirits but actually, it blesses them too. As a result of their karma, spirits will not always have the opportunity to come across bodhicitta and have the seeds of enlightenment planted in their mind stream. (Doesn’t mean we should go around seeking spirits just to test if we’ve developed bodhicitta!)
If you haven’t watched Insidious 3, you definitely should!
Pastor Elena,
Thank you many infinite times for your response. I so admire, and rely on, the hard work ALL of you do at Kechara Center. It’s a pleasure and a blessing to be speaking with one of you! I really like the possibility that Iceland is a hot bed for energies, and could be a portal (good word, when you said that in your comment it created all kinds of awesome imaginations in my head)! What a gift it must be, to those spirits, when they find someone capable of planting some seeds of enlightenment into their mind stream! I will definitely watch Insidious 3. I haven’t seen it yet and look forward to it. Thank you again, Pastor Elena!
I think there are truth to many folklore and legends around the world. Either that or the human mind is merely an easily influence matter. Greek gods, dragons, fairies, elves, monsters, aliens, big foot are just among some of the phenomena that is “unseen”, unproven and yet found in so many recorded writings and drawings in various cultures around the world. I do believe we are not alone in this Universe, seen or unseen, that parallel universes/realms co-exist.
There is a development to this story: http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/mar/25/iceland-construction-respect-elves-or-else
What I liked about this post is how respectful the Icelandic people are of nature, and their recognition of the existence of beings beyond the naked eye. They don’t scoff at it or say it doesn’t exist, and even if they feel this way inside, they still respect the fact there are people who believe in it.
What’s even better about the whole situation is the government’s recognition and respect of people’s belief that the elves exist, even if they themselves cannot officially confirm or deny it. This is not a government that takes sides, but a government that works for the welfare of their population.
And the Icelandic government is consistent in this way (of working for their people). What many may not know is how modern Iceland is. They have a reputation for being a very fair, open-minded society that upholds the law – just check out the semi-accurate meme attached to my comment (semi-accurate because the majority of Iceland’s population aren’t actually atheist, and because it implies Iceland fully recovered from the 2008 financial crash when they have not).
So knowing how open-minded they are, it is therefore no surprise that such a modern society can coexist with ancient faiths, and continue to uphold their Nordic traditions, even if it is at odds with so-called “modernity” and “progress”. To be honest, I think their attitude is the REAL modernity, and not shiny glass buildings and fast technology. In a world where people are increasingly targeted for their faith (even if the faith is mainstream), Iceland’s attitude towards people’s beliefs is refreshing. There are many “democracies” in the world with a similar population to Iceland’s that will learn many lessons from observing the way this progressive, democratic nation operates.
It is just really amazing that there are so many creatures out there that are not seen or even discovered by human beings. I always find things like that interesting. Reason for my interest would be that I feel that it is amazing like how some people are able to see these mystical creatures but it is not seen by others.
I remember that when I was younger, there were rumours saying that only when we are nice, and righteous people, then we would be able to see these creatures in the future when we are older. I always remember that as when I was younger that was something that has peaked my interest.
It is fascinating that these elves are protecting the environment not allowing the human invasion, destroying the original beauty of the place.
What Terry Gunnell has said about the land is alive is really amazing. After considering what she said about the happenings, it does make sense if we put the natural mysteries solving them saying them is the works of art of these creatures.
However, for the natural disasters I would still disagree on the point that she says it is the work of these creatures as well. I still feel and believe that natural disaster would be because of the negative karma that people has accumulated in the area that has caused the natural disasters.
Beautiful…since young.. I am intrigued with stories and tales about elves, dwarves, gnomes, fairies and of course aliens and Big Foot.
I believe if people can create stories about them, there must be a fact to be established on.
Look at Lord of The Rings…how the story evolves and rotates about ancient past where humans and other races worked together…there must be some form of truth in it.
Thank you.
Dear Rinpoche, I think “Gulliver’s travels” might be true because my sister told me the other day that no one are able to imagine something that they have never seen it before. Which is very true. I believe that mysterious creatures and monster do exists in this world, it’s just that the scientists haven’t approve it yet. I wonder whats out there in the deep amazon forest.
Elves, ghosts, spirits … Just because I have not seen one does not mean that they do not exist. Maybe some things are best left as they are.
Wow i would have never imagined elves being real Rinpoche. I sure believe in this and i loved reading the article, it was indeed very interesting. I am glad that Rinpoche decided to share this with us, i hope to see more articles about creatures like this in the future 🙂
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the interesting stories about elves. i truly agree that ‘Just because we can’t see something, does not mean it does not exist’. The question i have in mind is, how did the elves come into existence or they belong to another realm? Since both human and elves are sharing the same place to live, we should respect them and not to harm them in the form of comment or any kind of misdeed.
I’m surprised by the things elves could do, they are much more powerful than I think they are. I’m not quite sure if it’s an honour to be able to meet them or not, but to be able to see them, there must be a certain connections as they are not easily seen. I have always been very curious towards supernatural beings, I wonder how do they look like, what do they eat, what do they do in their daily lives…etc.
Thank You for sharing Rinpoche.
Dear Rinpoche, I do believe that elves exists. Maybe their form is like spirits or maybe the form they take is even harder to see. People with the third eye can see spirits but I think if we want to see the elf then we have to attain a higher level.
This post is very interesting.
I actually do believe in paranormal activity.
Some people say that oh ghost or paranormal things don’t exist. But they say that because they have not seen one.
They will only believe when they come face to face with one. If not when they see pictures of ghost and stuff like that they that it is just photo editing.
And the reason why I believe in paranormal activities is not because I came face to face with one. But because there is a lot of proof that say ghost , ufos ETC ETC….. do exist.
I keep an open mind to all mysterious things, miracles, unexplained phenomena, extra terresterials, ufo; undiscovered species of living beings in isolated dense jungles and snow mountains and deep abyss of the deep oceans, and so on. Since I believe in the existence of gods or beings with higher levels of consciousness, I also believe there are spirits and ghosts.
This is very interesting. It is hard to say whether I believe in such creatures as they could exist or they could not due to possibilities in this universe being infinite. I like stories about mythical creatures and cryptids because we do not know if they do exist, thus I would be intrigued..
anything is possible