Interesting theory. Could be true. It fits my own country (USA) too. A large percentage of people here are descended from indentured servants and Scots-Irish (aka Borderlanders). They were at the bottom of the social hierarchy in the UK, and of course were also once over here. For centuries before the colonial period they were used and abused by the upper classes, and still are over here although they generally don’t believe we have classes. Like in Iceland, they often vote against their own interests and support their overlords instead. This is such a huge nation that I don’t see any likelihood of them working on their issues and voting more appropriately. I can’t even picture that happening in little Iceland but what do I know?
The epigenetic aspects of this trauma I find as fascinating as the “hidden folk”. What little is known about epigenetics certainly has implications for future generations too, in light of the effects of the pandemic, long COVID, and other factors which may not yet be on our radar...
In the sense that I'm used to asking about different lenses onto historical narratives these days. Knowing almost nothing about Iceland, I just wondered about how the 'mainstream' blind interprets the collective trauma argument. Not to give 'the blind' any credence, but to simply fill in the puzzle on how this fascinating history is seen in today's Icelandic world. For example, all I hear over here in the US is positive about Iceland - the tourism, feminism, modern work laws, etc... So this is a new lens onto Iceland for me. Interesting!
Got it. The collective trauma argument is my own theory and is not mainstream at all, though I have heard it posed by other people, though only in conversation, not in any public forum. As I mentioned, this is a period in Icelandic history that is not commonly discussed.
Another theory regarding the Huldufolk had to do with mold! We may never know for certain. Personally I like the trauma connection better, as it is more universal. There has been a friendly someone (in my not moldy closet) since my childhood trauma days of frequent moving and being uprooted often!! 😂
Have had limited success finding literature references and scientific articles on the hallucinogenic effects of certain molds/fungi. My daughter learned of theory that mold is common in British Isles where folk beliefs in fairies, elves etc are common, and that perhaps these beliefs migrated to Iceland! (source unknown but probably learned at a Viking festival). Apparently mycotoxins such as in black mold can wreak havoc on the brain. The weather in these parts of the world is likely a factor in mold growth, and may become more of a problem in the future, assuming climate change is not adapted to without bleach haha. I will say that Iceland and Norway are the 2 cleanest countries I’ve visited, and the people are straightforward thinkers in my experience. So it was quite interesting to learn of their folk beliefs!
Yes that was ostensibly the reason, but the hidden agenda was to provide free or cheap labour, and in some cases to appropriate belongings and/or land, as in when the families were dissolved.
Interesting analysis. Works as regards the Irish struggles (still ongoing, it seems ), at least part of the population of Israel, the Americans who support Donald Trump, probably South Africa — so so many places!
Interesting theory. Could be true. It fits my own country (USA) too. A large percentage of people here are descended from indentured servants and Scots-Irish (aka Borderlanders). They were at the bottom of the social hierarchy in the UK, and of course were also once over here. For centuries before the colonial period they were used and abused by the upper classes, and still are over here although they generally don’t believe we have classes. Like in Iceland, they often vote against their own interests and support their overlords instead. This is such a huge nation that I don’t see any likelihood of them working on their issues and voting more appropriately. I can’t even picture that happening in little Iceland but what do I know?
The epigenetic aspects of this trauma I find as fascinating as the “hidden folk”. What little is known about epigenetics certainly has implications for future generations too, in light of the effects of the pandemic, long COVID, and other factors which may not yet be on our radar...
Scholars today believe the stories of the Hidden People were actually a response to trauma and a way to cope with loss, so it's all connected ...
This is so interesting. I have never heard this side of Iceland's history. Is this controversial at all?
Controversial in what sense?
In the sense that I'm used to asking about different lenses onto historical narratives these days. Knowing almost nothing about Iceland, I just wondered about how the 'mainstream' blind interprets the collective trauma argument. Not to give 'the blind' any credence, but to simply fill in the puzzle on how this fascinating history is seen in today's Icelandic world. For example, all I hear over here in the US is positive about Iceland - the tourism, feminism, modern work laws, etc... So this is a new lens onto Iceland for me. Interesting!
Got it. The collective trauma argument is my own theory and is not mainstream at all, though I have heard it posed by other people, though only in conversation, not in any public forum. As I mentioned, this is a period in Icelandic history that is not commonly discussed.
Another theory regarding the Huldufolk had to do with mold! We may never know for certain. Personally I like the trauma connection better, as it is more universal. There has been a friendly someone (in my not moldy closet) since my childhood trauma days of frequent moving and being uprooted often!! 😂
Mold?! Do tell!
Have had limited success finding literature references and scientific articles on the hallucinogenic effects of certain molds/fungi. My daughter learned of theory that mold is common in British Isles where folk beliefs in fairies, elves etc are common, and that perhaps these beliefs migrated to Iceland! (source unknown but probably learned at a Viking festival). Apparently mycotoxins such as in black mold can wreak havoc on the brain. The weather in these parts of the world is likely a factor in mold growth, and may become more of a problem in the future, assuming climate change is not adapted to without bleach haha. I will say that Iceland and Norway are the 2 cleanest countries I’ve visited, and the people are straightforward thinkers in my experience. So it was quite interesting to learn of their folk beliefs!
Interesting, haha. Well I am here to tell you that mold is HUGE problem here in Iceland as we speak, so ... 🤷♀️
That is quite depressing. Do you think it also helped keep the population growth down?
Yes that was ostensibly the reason, but the hidden agenda was to provide free or cheap labour, and in some cases to appropriate belongings and/or land, as in when the families were dissolved.
Interesting analysis. Works as regards the Irish struggles (still ongoing, it seems ), at least part of the population of Israel, the Americans who support Donald Trump, probably South Africa — so so many places!