Since 1991, the Icelandic Elf School (or Álfaskólinn) has held classes on all sorts of mysterious creatures in Iceland, from hidden people, trolls, and gnomes, all the way over to fairies and, of course, elves.
It’s located in the country’s capital, Reykjavik, and run by Magnús Skarphéðinsson. According to Wikipedia, he “organizes five hour long educational excursions for visitors, and finishes the tour with coffee and pancakes at the school.”
Sounds awesome. If I ever find myself in Iceland, I’m totally going on that tour.
However, the real reason I’ve brought up the Icelandic Elf School is because Mr. Skarphéðinsson recently shared his concern over the safety of Independence Party MP Árni Johnsen.
You see, this month Johnsen decided to move a 30-ton boulder from Sandskeið on Hellisheiði to his home in the Westman Islands. That doesn’t sound like a big deal, sure, but here’s the thing: That boulder is believed to be the home of “three generations of elves.”
Magnús doesn’t think moving it was a good idea, as he questions whether the elves truly consented.
But Johnsen believes the boulder and its elven residents saved his life after a terrible car accident in 2010, and isn’t worried.
Of course, I’m not sure how this will play out. Are there really elves living in that boulder? Do accidents follow after disturbing their homes? It’s an interesting bit of folklore, whatever the case, and Iceland is know for many strange things.
