top of page
Writer's pictureRaymond Niblock

Huldufólk: An Emerging (and modern) Icelandic Folktale

Siggi

The secluded valleys and rugged terrain of Iceland have long been shrouded in myth and mystery. For centuries, tales of the Huldufólk, or "Hidden People," have whispered throughout Icelandic society and echoed off its windswept glaciers. But what happens when these ancient beings are thrust into a battle that threatens not only their way of life but the delicate boundary between their world and ours? This is the story I’m weaving in my latest manuscript, "Huldufólk," a journey into the heart of Icelandic folklore that blurs the lines between myth, faith, and the struggles of the human heart.


Set in the mystical Icelandic landscape, "Huldufólk" follows the fragile existence of an elven community besieged by a sinister force—the Draugr of Hekla. This malevolent entity, steeped in ancient malice, casts a long shadow over the elven village of Þórsmörk, cursing it with a darkness that even the most potent elven magic cannot dispel. Desperate for salvation, the elves turn to an unlikely ally: Sigurður Jónsson, or Siggi, a cursing, hard-drinking, irreverent, yet endearing Lutheran priest.


Siggi is a man caught between worlds. He’s skeptical, grumpy, absurdly kind, and wholly human—a far cry from the ethereal beings he’s now bound to help. But as the tale unfolds, Siggi finds himself drawn into a spiritual conflict that tests his faith and the very nature of his reality. Armed with his ritual books, his faith, and a hefty dose of Brennivín (a traditional Icelandic schnapps), Siggi must confront the dark forces that lurk in the shadows of Þórsmörk.


Yet, "Huldufólk" is not just a story of light versus darkness. It delves into the complexities of relationships spanning centuries, both within and between worlds. The story builds toward a dramatic showdown—a spiritual battle royale where Siggi confronts the Draugr in a gripping exorcism that shakes the very foundations of the elves' hidden world. But the stakes are higher than simply vanquishing a demon; it's about bridging the chasm between faith and magic, human and elf, the seen and the unseen. In this world, where the boundaries between reality and myth are as fluid as the lava that once shaped the land, every choice echoes across realms.


"Huldufólk" combines elements of fantasy, folklore, and human drama, set against the stunning backdrop of Iceland's mystical terrain. As I continue to develop this tale, it explores themes of unity, the clash between old traditions and new realities, and the question of what it means to belong in a world divided by unseen barriers. It's a story that asks whether light can pierce the deepest darkness and whether those from different worlds can find common ground in the face of unimaginable threats.


While the manuscript is still in the works, I’m excited to share this journey into the heart of Icelandic folklore and the trials of the Huldufólk. The story is as much about the personal battles we face as it is about the supernatural. It's about finding strength in unity and the courage to cross the bridges we never expected to walk.


Stay tuned for more updates on this emerging tale. As Siggi, Freydís, and the elves of Þórsmörk face their greatest challenges, I hope you'll join me on this journey into the mystical world of "Huldufólk."

30 views0 comments

Kommentare


bottom of page