For much of the twentieth century, Icelandic society blended traditional folklore with the concerns of modern development. One figure who exemplified this unique intersection was Erla Hafstein Stefánsdóttir (1935–2015), a piano teacher and a self-described seer who achieved national recognition for her involvement with the huldufólk, “hidden people” or elves of Icelandic folklore.
Mapping invisible borders in the landscape
Erla Stefánsdóttir became a familiar commentator whenever Icelandic building projects were planned. She weighed in on how roadworks, new housing estates, and power stations might affect the territories of the huldufólk. Her public statements encouraged debate about invisible boundaries, an idea rooted in centuries-old beliefs, yet applied to contemporary land-use questions.
Beyond her commentary, Erla is remembered for her detailed maps and books that depicted where elves and nature spirits were said to dwell. She illustrated these “hidden worlds” with coloured drawings and careful descriptions. In 1993, the Hafnarfjörður Tourism Committee published Huliðsheimakort, a map featuring her depictions of elf homes and spirits in the lava fields around Hafnarfjörður, a town near Reykjavík. This map was reissued a decade later in several languages, reflecting international interest in Iceland’s enduring folklore.
A life between music and myth
Her activities were not limited to mapping. Erla led local tours in Hafnarfjörður, sharing stories about the presence of elves among the lava formations. She authored several books, including “Lífssýn mín” (My Outlook on Life), published in Reykjavík in 2003, and “Örsögur” (Brief Tales) in 2010. Some of her works have been translated into German and English, making her stories accessible to readers outside Iceland.
Erla’s drawings, books, and commentary brought Icelandic folklore into public discussions about landscape and heritage. For some, her work represented a continued respect for hidden natural forces; for others, it was a conversation about how old beliefs still shape modern life.
