Huldufolk Room in old school’s attic open to visitors until September
Gimli’s “hidden people,” the Huldufolk, typically live up to their name, but they decided to hold a picnic last Sunday afternoon for residents and visitors at the old schoolhouse, now known as the RM of Gimli administration building.
They invited special guest Kathleen Arnason, who has written several novels in the Gimli Huldufolk series. The books weave together fantasy and Icelandic folklore and feature Snaebjorn and Snorri, who hide in the old school’s attic.
The RM of Gimli and its recreation staff helped the Gimli Huldufolk organize the event.
The picnic included free face painting courtesy of the Gimli Art Club, games such as cornhole, Jenga and hopscotch, as well as food.
Coun. Thora Palson said her daughter, niece and nephew were among those who enjoyed the afternoon party.
“The kids had a fun-filled, magical picnic with the Gimli Huldufolk,” she said.
In Icelandic culture, the Huldufolk are supernatural beings, or elves, who typically live among rocks, cooled lava or knolls.
Snorri and Snaebjorn live in the schoolhouse attic until September each year. The RM then puts up a sign saying they have gone fishing in Iceland for the winter.
Other Huldufolk can be spotted — by those with exceptionally good eyesight — among the large lava-inspired rocks at Viking Park near Gimli Harbour. The park was inspired by Icelandic folklore and pays homage to Iceland’s stunning landscape.
The Huldufolk who live among the rocks in the park have erected a number of colourful houses. Although they did not adhere to all that bothersome human stuff called planning permission and building permits — it was one of those cases of build first, ask for forgiveness later — the municipality fully supports the small residential colony.
It is widely known that disturbing their homes can result in misfortune for the troublemaker. On the other hand, leaving the park’s Huldufolk a small gift can earn a visitor a reward such as protection or good luck.
The attic, or Huldufolk Room, in the administration building is accessible by a spiral staircase.
It is open to visitors from May 12 to Sept. 21. If Snorri, Snaebjorn and the other Gimli Huldufolk cannot be coaxed out of hiding, visitors can leave them notes or drawings in a special chest.
