Iceland is a magical place where the population is very attached to the traditions that see the elves as protagonists and to the protection of natural places that are part of ancient legends.
Iceland is a magical place where the population is very attached to the traditions that see the elves as protagonists and to the protection of natural places that are part of ancient legends.
Here then is the decision of cancel the construction of a freeway not to spoil a very fascinating landscape, considered almost magical. Plans to build a new road and bridge in Iceland recently skipped and then changed and implemented differently as activists keen to protect traditional folklore sites and natural beauties opposed the novelty.
Petur Matthiasson of the Reykjavik Road Department agreed to heed the will of the population, as the BBC reports:
“It is certainly not an everyday thing to decide to deviate a road because of the elves. It is only in this case that we were informed of the presence of goblins on the very track where we would have liked to build the new road. We have to respect the fact that the locals believe in elves and goblins" - has explained.
Work to build the freeway connecting the Alftanes peninsula and Gardabaer, a suburb of Reykjavik, were stopped two years ago precisely because the population wanted to protect a place where according to the legends lived the elves and at the same time safeguard an uncontaminated natural area.
The issue was resolved by diverting the path in order to protect the 'sanctuary' of the elves and a rock considered sacred has been relocated. It seems that at least half of the Icelandic population strongly cares about traditions and the presence of elves and goblins in natural places. They are called Hudufolk, the 'hidden people'.
It is a small people who tend to be good which, however, could make its disapproval felt if their natural environment were excessively disturbed by man, at least according to Icelandic traditions.
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The Icelandic landscape in the areas populated by elves does not seem to be exactly bucolic but it is really very fascinating, among rocks, green meadows, lava formations and natural geysers. According to folklore experts, it is impossible to live in such a place, in such an extraordinary landscape, without believing that it is dominated by a superior force.
Photo fonts; The Guardian
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We think that at least in part the question of the elves represented a pretext to try to protect an extraordinary natural place from the construction of a freeway and from overbuilding. The work necessary to facilitate movement was nevertheless carried out but taking into account a greater respect for traditions and for a landscape that is nothing short of wonderful.
Marta Albè
Photo font: BBC
