Have You Seen the Hidden People? (2014)

Icelandic belief in the “Hidden People” – the elves and fairies of Iceland – has remained strong through the centuries, although it has tapered off somewhat with the rapid urbanization of recent years. To some it is a bit of an embarrassment, while others find it a fun and unique part of the national identity. At its core, it is a form of animism: a perception of the surrounding nature as a living force that offers both rewards and dangers – just as the Hidden People do. A few years ago, the Icelandic writer Unnur Jokulsdottir travelled around Iceland to have as many conversations about Hidden People she could. She was rewarded with a gaggle of thrilling stories about Hidden People (and even a few about Hidden Sheep and Hidden Cars), and finally enlisted the help of a specialist in an attempt to catch a glimpse of this mysterious folk for herself. She emerged from her voyage much the wiser – about the Hidden People, naturally, but also, in no less measure, about her country and its inhabitants.