Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice, but it is also famous for its deep folklore and mythical creatures. Trolls, elves and hidden beings are huge part of Icelandic culture. Many rock formations, sea stacks and mountain shapes are linked to these ancient stories. Explore Iceland by car is one of the best ways to visit the landscapes connected to these legends.
What Are Icelandic Trolls
In Icelandic folklore, trolls are giant night creatures who live in mountains, caves and remote valleys. They come out only during darkness because sunlight will turn them to stone. This idea explains many unusual formations around the country that look like frozen figures.
Storytelling has always been important to Icelanders. Long winter nights after settlement were filled with tales shared around the fire. The old Icelandic sagas mention many mythical beings and these stories have been passed down through generations. Today you can still see references to trolls everywhere, from sacred elf rocks to little houses built for hidden people.
Origins of Icelandic Folklore
Early Icelandic communities used stories to explain nature and teach lessons. Folklore helped people make sense of earthquakes, eruptions and strange shapes in the landscape. Many place names come from these tales. Examples include Tröllaskarð with means Troll pass and Skessuhorn which means Troll Woman´s Peak.
Trolls became some of the most iconic figures in Icelandic stories. They hide during the day and wanter under the night sky. If daylight catches them, they turn to stone. This theme appears again and again in local legends.
The Yule Lads: Iceland´s Famous Christmas Trolls
One of the most well known parts of Icelandic folklore is the group of thirteen Yule Lads. These troll-like brothers visit Icelandic homes in the days before Christmas. They are the sons of the troll woman Grýla her husband Leppalúði. While Grýla is known for frightening behavior, the Yule Lads are more mischievous than dangerous.
They arrive one by one from 12 December until Christmas Eve and each Yule Lad leaves a small gift in the shoe that children place on their windowsill.
The thirteen Yule Lads and their traits are:
- Stekkjastaur (Sheep-Cote Clod): Arrives on December 12th. He harasses sheep but is impaired by his stiff peg-legs.
- Giljagaur (Gully Gawk): Arrives on December 13th. He hides in gullies, waiting for an opportunity to sneak into the cowshed and steal milk.
- Stúfur (Stubby): Arrives on December 14th. He is abnormally short and steals pans to eat the crust left on them.
- Þvörusleikir (Spoon-Licker): Arrives on December 15th. He steals wooden spoons to lick and is extremely thin due to malnutrition.
- Pottaskefill (Pot-Scraper): Arrives on December 16th. He steals leftovers from pots.
- Askasleikir (Bowl-Licker): Arrives on December 17th. He hides under beds and waits for someone to put down their bowl, which he then steals.
- Hurðaskellir (Door Slammer): Arrives on December 18th. He loves to slam doors, especially during the night, waking people up.
- Skyrgámur (Skyr-Gobbler): Arrives on December 19th. He has an insatiable appetite for skyr, an Icelandic yogurt.
- Bjúgnakrækir (Sausage-Swiper): Arrives on December 20th. He hides in the rafters and snatches sausages that are being smoked.
- Gluggagægir (Window-Peeper): Arrives on December 21st. He looks through windows in search of things to steal.
- Gáttaþefur (Doorway-Sniffer): Arrives on December 22nd. He has an enormous nose and an acute sense of smell, which he uses to find laufabrauð (leaf bread).
- Ketkrókur (Meat-Hook): Arrives on December 23rd. He uses a hook to steal meat.
- Kertasníkir (Candle-Stealer): Arrives on December 24th. He follows children to steal their candles, which were once a valuable commodity.
Why Trolls Turn to Stone in Iceland Legends
A key part of troll folklore is the belief that sunlight turns trolls to stone. This explains many natural landmarks in Iceland. Some of the best known examples include the sea stacks at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. According to legend, these shapes are trolls who were dragging a ship when the sun rose.
This storytelling tradition adds a magical layer to the landscape and makes travel in Iceland feel like stepping into a fairy tale.
Other Mythical Creatures in Iceland
Folklore in Iceland includes many creatures apart from trolls
Elves and hidden People
Called huldufólk, these beings are believed to live in rocks and hills. Many Icelanders respect their presence and prefer not to disturb certain stones or natural landscapes.
The Yule Cat
A huge mythical cat that rooms the countryside during Christmas. It is said to target people who do not receive new clothes for the holiday. This story encouraged families to finish winter chores and prepare warm clothing.
Where to See Trolls in Iceland
A rental car makes it easy to explore locations connected to troll stories
Skessuhorn, West Iceland
Known as Troll Woman´s Peak. The name and shape both come from folklore.
Tröllaskarð, North Iceland
A mountain pass filled with stories and dramatic scenery
Hvítserkur, Vatnsnes Peninsula
A 15 meter sea stack shaped like a troll drinking from the ocean.
Reynisdrangar, Reynisfjara Beach
Sea stacks said to be trolls turned to stone at sunrise.
These spots are perfect for self drive and allow you to visit places that tour buses often skip.
Start Your Troll Themed Road Trip with Firefly Iceland
Exploring Iceland´s folklore sites is easier and more enjoyable with a rental car. Firefly Iceland offers cheap rental cars for travelers who want simple, reliable and cheap options for a road trip.
With a rental car you can explore at your own pace, visit remote areas linked to troll legends and enjoy Iceland outside of the crowded tourist routes.
With a rental car you can explore at your own pace, visit remote areas linked to troll legends and enjoy Iceland outside of the crowded tourist routes.
