Icelandic Folktales (FT 451)

Icelandic folktales are related to Viking fairy stories, though perhaps with a slightly darker tone. They share common themes of innocence and trickery, the triumph of good sense over pride, and all imbued with a strong moral message. Notably, in many tales, the prince is rescued by the princess who has endured significant hardships during their journey to rescue the foolish male from the clutches of an ogre or a wicked crone. Some notable examples include “The Story of the Three Princes,” “Hildur, Queen of Elves,” “The Giantess and the Granite Boat,” and “The Magic Scythe.”