Supernatural sami, hidden people and Norse mythology: This is the ancient tales of Northern Norway
- Espen Stenberg
- Jan 23, 2024
- 3 min read

Northern Norway has a rich cultural and historical background, and there are several myths and legends associated with the region. While the specific myths can vary among different communities and indigenous groups, one prominent figure in Norse mythology associated with the northern regions is the god Odin. Here are a few general themes and myths:
The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis): The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that has captivated people for centuries. In Norse mythology, it was believed that the lights were the glowing reflection of the Valkyries' armor as they escorted fallen warriors to Valhalla, Odin's great hall.
The Sami People and their Myths: The Sami people, the indigenous people of Northern Europe, including parts of Norway, have their own rich mythology. They have stories about supernatural beings like the "Stallo" (a mysterious giant) and the "Gufi" (a malevolent spirit). Their myths often involve elements of nature and the spiritual connection between humans and the environment.
The Creation of the World: Norse mythology includes the story of the creation of the world, where the first living beings, Ymir (a giant) and Audhumla (a primeval cow), emerged in the icy emptiness. Odin and his brothers later played a significant role in shaping the world.
The Raven and Odin: Odin, the chief of the Aesir gods, had two ravens, Huginn (Thought) and Muninn (Memory), which would fly around the world and bring back information to Odin. These ravens were often associated with wisdom and knowledge.
The Hidden People (Huldufólk): In Norwegian folklore, as well as in other Nordic countries, there are stories about hidden folk or elves. These beings are said to live in rocks, mountains, and hidden places in nature. They are often depicted as magical and elusive, interacting with humans only in certain circumstances.
It's essential to note that myths and legends can vary across different regions and communities within Northern Norway. Additionally, the cultural and mythological heritage of the Sami people is distinct from that of the Norse mythology, contributing to the diversity of stories in the region.
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Heres a typical short story from Northern Norway:

Whispers in the Fjords: The hidden people among us
Eira, an intrepid wanderer, arrived in Nordlys drawn by an insatiable thirst for adventure. The villagers, their eyes wide with both fear and fascination, spoke of the Hidden People's eerie presence. Undeterred, Eira embarked on a journey into the unknown, guided only by the cryptic stories that left shivers in their wake.
As Eira ventured deeper into the hauntingly dense forests, the wind carried an otherworldly melody that sent shivers down her spine. Strange figures materialized among the ancient trees—silhouettes adorned in ethereal garments, their eyes gleaming with an otherworldly glow. The Hidden People had revealed themselves, and the air crackled with an eerie stillness.
Eldri, a wise and enigmatic Hidden Person, emerged from the shadows. Her voice, a haunting melody, spoke of a pact between humanity and the Hidden People, bound by an ancient magic that demanded reverence for the natural world. Eldri's gaze pierced through Eira's soul, leaving an indelible mark.
In a sacred clearing, the Northern Lights ignited the sky in a spectral dance.
Eldri, her voice now a haunting chant, revealed the unsettling truth—the lights were a manifestation of the Hidden People's journey between realms, a crossing that echoed through the icy stillness of the night.
Eira, gripped by a mixture of awe and terror, pledged herself to the Hidden People. Eldri placed a luminescent crystal in her trembling hands—a pulsating heart that connected her to the very essence of the wilderness. The land responded to Eira's presence, each step sending ripples through the fabric of reality.
Returning to Nordlys, Eira's tale spread like wildfire, casting a spell over the village. The once-skeptical villagers now eyed the wilderness with trepidation, haunted by the ghostly whispers that lingered in the air. Every shadow seemed to conceal secrets, and every rustle of leaves carried an unsettling message.
Eira, now marked by the pact, continued her travels, a living embodiment of the unsettling stories that gripped the village.
Nordlys, forever changed, became a place where the line between reality and the supernatural blurred, and the Hidden People's whispers echoed through the fjords, leaving those who dared to listen shivering in the icy embrace of the unknown.
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