Looking for the Hidden Folk

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This compelling and highly readable book offers a thought-provoking examination of belief and our interaction with nature, particularly through the lens of Icelandic culture. Icelanders' belief in elves prompts an exploration of why such ideas elicit laughter and skepticism. Nancy Marie Brown delves into history, science, religion, and art, revealing how each discipline shapes our understanding of reality, nature, and the supernatural. Each perspective defines what an Icelander might consider an elf, highlighting the varied ways we perceive and value the world around us. Through her own encounters with Iceland's Otherworld—ranging from ancient lava fields to glaciers and erupting volcanoes—Brown engages in an intimate conversation about our relationship with nature. She emphasizes how the language we use and the stories we tell influence our worldview, arguing that our beliefs about the Earth can either preserve or destroy it. In the face of climate change, which threatens mass extinction, the book suggests that Iceland's unique perspective offers hope and a different way of thinking about our planet. Ultimately, it encourages readers to embrace the belief in elves as a metaphor for a deeper connection to the Earth.