Elves, or "hidden people" as they are
commonly referred to in Iceland, are a part of Icelandic folklore and
mythology. According to Icelandic folklore, they are supernatural beings that
live in rocks, mountains, and hills, and are said to possess magical powers. There
are said to be 13 varieties of elves in Iceland, ranging in size from a few
inches tall to almost human height.
Some Icelanders believe that the presence of elves can
affect construction and development projects, and it is not uncommon for
builders and architects to consult with "elf communicators" or
"elf experts" to determine if there are any elves living in the area
that may be disturbed by the construction.
One famous story of elf sightings in Iceland is the
case of the Elf Rock in the town of Hafnarfjörður. The rock, which is believed
to be an elf habitat, was threatened by construction in the 1970s. The story
goes that a group of Icelanders protested the construction, claiming that it
would anger the elves and bring bad luck to the town. Eventually, the
construction was redirected to avoid disturbing the Elf Rock, and it remains a
popular tourist attraction to this day.
Some Icelanders believe that elves can be found in
urban areas as well, and there have been reports of sightings in gardens,
parks, and even on city streets.
It is worth noting that the belief in elves is deeply
ingrained in Icelandic culture and is taken very seriously by some Icelanders.
While outsiders may view it as a superstition or an oddity, for many
Icelanders, it is an important part of their cultural heritage and identity.
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