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Folkloric Tales

Benevolent Beings

Scandinavian Folk-Lore : Illustrations o... (by Craigie, William Alexander, Sir)
Elves and Heroes (by Mackenzie, Donald A.)
Angels' Whispers and Angels' Kisses, By ... (by M J. H, Angels)
A Book of Angels (by P. L)

Every culture has its own beliefs on what symbols in the form of animals, insects, or other beings are believed to bring good luck or offer protection. Swedish people believe that a carved wooden statue called the Dalecarlian horse brings luck. Egyptians believe in the power of the beetle, which is celebrated for its ability to harness the power of the sun.What one culture regards as a symbol of good luck may seem strange to another.

A long history of tradition, folklore, and legend have shaped Scandinavian culture. Surveys conducted in Iceland reveal that more than half the nation believes in “hidden people” or elves, which resemble humans.

Iceland’s elves are good-natured, but protective of their homes. People believe that these elves live in the lava rocks: woe betide those who disturb their dwellings. When building new roads, the highway department often avoids disturbing the rocks. The department contacts local “elf experts” for guidance.

In Scandinavian Folk-Lore, William Alexander Craigie writes, “King Olaf Trvggvason was told that trolls lay on Heidar-skog, so that no one could traverse it” (p. 40).

In Elves And Heroes, Donald A. Mackenzie writes,

In Highland folklore we find associated with the haunting ‘fear of things invisible,’ common to all peoples in early stages of development, a confident feeling of security inspired by the minute observances of ceremonial practices. We also note a distinct tendency to discriminate between spirits, some of which are invariably friendly, some merely picturesque, and perhaps fearsome, and others constantly harbouring a desire to work evil upon mankind. Associated with belief in the efficacy of propitiatory offerings and ‘ceremonies of riddance,’ is the ethical suggestion that good wishes and good deeds influence spirits to perform acts of kindly intent.

This may seem strange to some, but a 2011 Associated Press-GfK poll revealed that 77 percent of American adults believe in the power, protection, and guidance of angels. Primarily tied to religion, this belief is relatively widespread among the less religious.

These celestial beings are popular in American culture. Images grace a wide assortment of items from paintings and figurines to calendars, t-shirts, and beyond.

In the preface of Angels’ Whispers and Angels’ Kisses, M.J.H. writes,

Dear Little Ones, I come to you with thoughts from the angels, your living guardians. Little children often want a little help to go brightly and bravely through the day, and this is just what I want to give you, by reminding you of our dear Lord’s words, and of the holy examples of His saints.

In A Book of Angels, P.L. writes, “St. Augustine says, ‘An angel is called a spirit on account of what he is, and an angel on account of what he does,’ i.e. he goes forth as God’s messenger” (p. 237)

by Regina Molaro