Folklore About The Northern Lights From Around The World

The Science Behind the Myths

Before we dive into folklore about the northern lights from around the world, let’s take a scientific perspective.

As you read through these different cultures’ explanations of the Northern Lights, you’ll find that some of the superstitions might be a bit bleak.

The Northern Lights we know today are not the same Northern Lights from a few hundred years ago. According to SCIENCE, we are in a very active time period of the Northern Lights. This wasn’t the case even just 100 years ago.

There is a lot of affiliation with the Northern Lights and death, or from the spirits beyond. It’s because for centuries, the Northern Lights were more infrequent and weak. For the most part, the Northern Lights only appeared red in color.

It’s important to keep that in mind as you’re reading through. Because if you’ve seen the Northern Lights, whether in person or from other photos/videos, you’ll know how intensely beautiful and bright they can be.

And it’s because they’re very different today than they were throughout history!

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The Northern Lights/Aurora Borealis (and Southern Lights!) are a jaw-dropping phenomena. Even with science explaining why they exist, somewhat reliable ways to predict seeing them/their intensity, and being able to photograph them – we still gravitate towards the lights like a moth to a flame. 

Imagine, for a moment, as best as you can, science doesn’t exist. My head would be spinning as to what this crazy shit in the sky is. So, of course, there are plenty of myths and folklore about them from cultures around the world. 

One of the most fascinating things I’ve realized while researching these myths is how similar most of them are even though these stem from indigenous populations separated by thousands of miles & oceans.

A lot of the myths are related to the spirits of our loved ones and childbirth. 

Norse Mythology

• They were the bridge between Earth and Asgard.
• The lights were the armor and weapons of the Valkyries on their horses taking soldiers killed in battle to Valhalla.

China

In early legends about dragons, the lights made an appearance. They were believed to be a showcased battle between good & evil dragons. 

 

Greenland

Indigenous peoples believed the lights were the spirits of children who’d died at birth and were dancing their way across the night’s sky. 

(This is one of my two favorites from this list. How beautiful!)

Japan

In Japanese culture, it was believed if a child was conceived under the lights, they’d have a good life. This included intelligence, good fortune, and born gorgeous AF. 

Iceland

Icelandic people believed the lights could help with the pain of childbirth, but only if the mom-to-be didn’t look at them – otherwise her child would be born cross-eyed. 

(I didn’t realize the lights were so conditional?)

Cree Native Americans

Believed the lights were the spirits of their loved ones trying to communicate with their families on Earth. 

Finland

• It was believed a firefox ran fast across the snow, his tail caused sparks to fly into the sky. The Finnish word for the Northern Lights, ‘revontulet’ literally translates to ‘firefox’.

( I checked, the FireFox browser is named because of a nickname for the red panda – so it is unaffiliated with the Finnish word/Northern Lights myth.)

• Sámi people (indigenous tribe in Finland) believed the lights were created from the water ejected out of a whale’s blow hole. 

Fox Native Americans

They perceived the lights as an omen of war. The lights were thought to be ghosts of their dead enemies rising up for revenge. 

 

Sweden

The lights were seen as a promise of good news in a few different ways:

• Believed to be a gift from the gods providing warmth and light.
• Light reflected to show plenty of fish and was a very good sign to fishermen.
• Farmers thought the lights meant a good harvest in the coming year. 

Algonquin Native Americans

Their myth of the lights refers to their creator, Nanahbozho, who retired to the north after creating the world. The lights were believed to be reflections of large fires he built to let his people know he was still thinking of them. 

(My other favorite! How sweet is this?)

My Own Folklore

The first time I saw them, I wasn’t planning on it. It was late August in Iceland, and it was my first international trip, I had no idea what I was doing, and pulled over to set up my car to sleep for the night. 

It was super dark, no light pollution, beautifully clear sky, and this thin, gray cloud swirled and sped across the sky. I remember thinking ‘what the hell is that cloud’s problem?’ 

Maybe about 10 minutes later, the sky went from this gentle whisper into an explosion of a conversation. Greens and purples chatting away as they passed through. It was awesome, and I watched for hours before falling asleep. 

That’s what I thought of them then, and I still refer to now – the Earth having a conversation with me. 

What Are Your Thoughts On This Folklore About The Northern Lights From Around The World?

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