Elves and Trolls of Iceland

Crazy as it may seem, the majority of Icelanders (more than 50% is estimated) believe in the existence of fantastical beings such as elves and trolls.

There are many amusing stories and legends about the Huldufólk, or “hidden people,” and Icelanders go so far as to suspend construction projects if it's believed that the plans may interfere with or endanger current elf habitats. Large fallen rocks in fields or out at sea are said to be frozen trolls, and one guide told me that the smell present in Iceland isn't from sulfur at all – it's the smell of the trolls' dirty bathwater!