Huldra: Seductive Female Creature Living In Forest Or Mountains In Norse Beliefs

A. Sutherland - AncientPages.com - Among the most commonly encountered creatures in Norse mythology is Huldra.

In Norwegian folklore, there are many stories about Huldra (which means "secret," "covered") and her people known as Huldre Folk ("mountain people," "the small ones underground," or "hidden people"). They also occupy a special place in the superstition lore of Icelandic people.

They are protectors of the cattle on the mountainsides. These mysterious beings sing beautiful songs that lure men into the forest and are heard by travelers passing by the countryside.

Huldra also has other names such as "owner of the forest" or "hill lady." She is a young woman with superhuman strength, sometimes naked or dressed like peasant girls. She often has a lovely human appearance, as seen from the front.

From behind, she is shockingly ugly with her hallow bark back and a cow's tail or that of a fox that is almost impossible to conceal.
Gotland's folklore says that Huldra and her people, "the small ones underground," could be easily recognized by the tip of a cow's tail trailing from beneath their long snow-white robes.

Huldra is often a malicious creature, but she shows friendly behavior toward human males, as when she appears before the herdsman, speaks, and dances with him. Huldra had her male equivalent (' huldur') but her beauty and charming grace often attracted human males, too.

When Christianity appeared in Norway in the early 8th century, many old beliefs did not disappear, but their versions changed. Huldra could get married in a church, her tail fell off, and she became human. At the same time, she lost the superhuman powers she once possessed.
From this relationship, ordinary human children were born, and one or another couple lived long and happy until the end of their days.
But sometimes, life is a little less colorful. While mistreated by her husband, the Huldra still has her true nature and – even without her powers - can be hateful, seek revenge, or frighten her partner or husband.

Updated on  September 3, 2022

Written by – A. Sutherland AncientPages.com Staff Writer

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