Myths Northern Lights

Throughout history, people across the Arctic have looked up at the Northern Lights and tried to understand what they were seeing. Long before science could explain the Aurora, stories and legends were passed down from generation to generation. And depending on where you lived, those mysterious lights in the sky could mean very different things. In Norse tradition, the Northern Lights have been connected with stories of the gods, warriors and the world beyond. One popular legend links the lights to the Valkyries – the mythical figures who chose fallen warriors and guided them to Valhalla. The shimmering lights were said to be reflections from their armour as they travelled across the sky. In Sámi traditions, the Northern Lights were often treated with great respect. There are old stories warning people not to draw attention to themselves beneath the Aurora. Whistling, shouting or behaving disrespectfully towards the lights could bring bad luck – or even cause the Northern Lights to come down and take you away. Stories like these were powerful enough to frighten generations of children. And even today, you may still hear the warning: Whatever you do beneath the Northern Lights – don’t whistle at them.