Trolls and Elves

Tales of trolls and elves abound in Icelandic Sagas, myths and folklore. One can see the many unlucky trolls that were caught out in the sunlight and turned to stone dotting the Icelandic country side, lava fields and mountains. Many of these places  are named after the trolls and there is often a tragic story involved. Elves are a bit trickier about their appearance or visibility to humans. Stories and “evidence” of trolls and elves were often used as cautionary tales for humans, especially children. In the past trolls were perceived as fearsome creatures and elves very territorial, but attitudes to them have softened over time and they are thought of now as being rather benign, even wise. Perhaps in many ways, it is the human or human actions that an elf or troll can look to as a cautionary tale instead of the other way around!