? The Trolls in the Knolls

Icelandic folktales have lived with the nation for centuries. They served as one of the primary forms of entertainment for people as they sat and worked through long winters. Many of the tales are inspired by Icelandic nature and deal with mountain trolls and elves who live in cliffs and crags, while others are a testament to the powers of imagination, including gruesome ghost stories and tales of strange beasts on land and in the sea. This volume brings together a wide range of stories and beautiful illustrations.

? A World of Myth, Nature, and Imagination

Inside this collection, you’ll discover:

Tales of elves living in cliffs and rocky landscapes
Stories of trolls shaped by Iceland’s wild nature
Dark and haunting ghost stories
Legends of strange and supernatural creatures

Each story reflects the beliefs, fears, and creativity of the Icelandic people through the ages.

? A Landmark Collection

The stories were collected by Jón Árnason (1819–1888), one of Iceland’s most important scholars. Inspired by the work of the Brothers Grimm, he set out to preserve the oral storytelling traditions of Iceland.

Two volumes of his colossal collection were printed in Leipzig, Germany, in 1862 and 1864. His collection of folktales was later released in an even larger collection, a true magnum opus of six volumes, in Reykjavík between 1954 and 1961. It remains the most important collection of Icelandic folktales in print.

? Perfect for Readers Who Love

Folklore and mythology
Cultural history and storytelling traditions
Fairy tales with darker, atmospheric tones
Books about Iceland and its heritage

? Why You’ll Love It

✔ A timeless collection of Icelandic stories
✔ Rich cultural and historical insight
✔ Beautiful illustrations that enhance the tales
✔ A perfect introduction to Icelandic folklore