Meet Huldra - Keeper of the Forest
In the depths of Norway’s forests, among the towering trees and hidden valleys, lives a mysterious people known as the huldrefolk—or hulderfolk. These creatures, often compared to elves or trolls, are both captivating and enigmatic. Known by different names, like tusser in some regions, they are believed to be subterranean beings with magical powers and exceptional craftsmanship, particularly as gold- and silversmiths. In fact, some of the most exquisite jewellery from ancient times is said to have been made by the huldrefolk, their origins wrapped in myth and mystery.
One of the most famous items crafted by dwarfs in Norse legend is Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir, and Freyja's magical necklace, Brísingamen—both believed to have been forged by these mystical beings.
Artwork: "Huldra ved Matbrunnen" by Theodor Kittelsen, 1892
Among the Huldrefolk, Huldra stands out. Often depicted as an extraordinarily beautiful woman, Huldra’s appearance can vary depending on the story. In Norwegian folklore, she is typically shown with a cow’s tail, while in Swedish tales, she may have a foxtail or similar features. But behind her enchanting beauty lies a connection to the wild and untamed nature of the forest. Huldra is a guardian of the wilderness, embodying both its allure and its danger.
While she is often portrayed as a solitary figure, there are stories where she appears alongside other huldrefolk. In many tales, she helps those who are kind to the forest and respectful of nature, rewarding them with guidance or magical aid. However, those who disturb her domain—whether by accident or enchantment—often find themselves caught in a web of mysterious consequences.
Artwork: "Huldra" by Theodor Kittelsen, 1892
Huldra is said to live in deep forests or within mountains, where hidden entrances guard her realm. Her home is the very essence of the wilderness, embodying both its beauty and peril. Known to be a cowherder in some legends, she is as powerful as she is elusive.
But even creatures of such power have their vulnerabilities. Huldra, like other troll-like beings, is said to be weak against steel. Throw steel at her, and she will become dizzy and lose her strength—an ancient weakness that has played a part in many folktales.
The name “Huldra” is thought to come from the Old Norse verb hylja, meaning "to hide" or "to cover." There is also speculation that the name may be connected to the Norse sorceress and seer Huld, though the true origin remains unclear. What is certain is that tales of the huldrefolk date back to at least the Viking Age, though it wasn’t until the 1840s that these stories were written down, and in the process, many details were altered or lost.
Even today, in Norway, many people are raised to respect the Huldra as a symbol of nature’s power and mystery. To honour her is to honour the natural world itself.
One of the most fascinating elements of Huldra lore is the story of her relationships with humans. In some versions of the tale, if Huldra marries a mortal man, her tail will fall off, symbolising her integration into human life. Some believe that the Norwegian woman, with her free spirit and deep connection to the land, is a descendant of the Huldra herself—a living symbol of our enduring bond with nature.
Artwork by Hans Gude
The following are some stories of interactions with Huldra, some recent and some from a long time ago.
A story from recent days
In Seljord church, there are said to be hung seven tails from Hulder women that have married human men. In this case their tails fall off. When the priestess recently was asked if they were still there her answer was “you understand that if the tails were to hang there, they would not be visible to a Christian's eye”.
A story from a couple of generations ago
Gunnhild Vestad was only 7-8 years old when she herded the cows in the open fields in Trysil. It was so tough for the wee girl that her chest was on fire. She was terrified of wild animals and hunters in the forest. Then the unbelievable happened: One day Gunhild gave herself up to tears, Huldra appeared, as if shot up by the heather, and dried her tears - like a loving mother.
In our wilderness, we find many kinds of forces!
An ancient story
A boy in Tiveden went fishing, but he had no luck. Then he met a beautiful lady, and she was so stunning that he felt he had to catch his breath. But then he realized who she was because he could see a fox's tail sticking out below the skirt. As he knew that it was forbidden to comment on the tail to the lady of the forest if it was not done in the most polite manner, he bowed deeply and said with his softest voice:
Milady, I see that your petticoat shows below your skirt.
The lady thanked him gracefully and hid her tail under her skirt, telling the boy to fish on the other side of the lake. That day, the boy had great luck with his fishing and he caught a fish every time he threw out the line. This was the Huldra's recognition of his politeness.
An ancient story
A while north of Børja are two small ponds of water that people call Matbrunnen. Johan Torsrud and Syver Børja were out fishing late at night, and they stayed til the early hours of the morning. A stone fell into the water just then, and their gaze followed the waves as they reached the shore on the other side of the pond, and there sat a naked hulder, washing herself in the water.
Well, there you have your introduction to our beloved Huldra, keeper of the Forest. I hope you enjoyed this Folklore from the Heart and that it gave you some things to ponder as you sit and observe our beautiful forests.
