The Folklore of Scandinavia

Scandinavian folklore tells the tales of gods, giants, trolls, elves, gnomes, and other mythical creatures--good and malicious--across Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and Finland. While there are common themes and mythical beings across Scandinavian folklore, each country and region has its own variations and unique stories and traditions. Many folk tales are cautionary tales or teach moral lessons, influence art, literature, music, and film; these stories that combine nature and the supernatural still resonate with contemporary audiences. This presentation will provide a visual overview of folktales, mythical beings, and their depiction in literature and the media.