Myths 2

In Finland, the lights are called “Firefoxes.” According to legend, the Northern Lights are caused by arctic foxes running across the tundra, sweeping its tail through the snow and creating sparks that lit up the sky and transforming it into the beautiful colours of the Aurora. For Swedish fishermen, sightings of the aurora were considered a good omen. They believed the lights were reflections from vast schools of herring swimming nearby. Rather than something to fear, the northern lights were celebrated as a promise of good fortune and an abundant catch. In Iceland, auroras were also welcomed, though for a very different reason. They were once believed to ease the pain of childbirth. However, expectant mothers were warned not to look directly at the northern lights, as legend held that doing so would cause the child to be born cross-eyed The Inuit and other Arctic communities: To them, the Northern Lights are the spirits of the departed, dancing in the sky to communicate with the living. The lights are a form of spiritual connection, a bridge between the Earth and the divine. They would often celebrate the Northern Lights with songs and dances, believing it was a way to communicate with their loved ones who had passed away. These myths reflect how different cultures have tried to explain the beauty and mystery of the Northern Lights throughout history. And even today, there's something about the aurora that words cannot fully capture - a quiet kind of magic that stirs something deep in us. So, no matter what, enjoy the journey, stay warm, stay hopeful, and let’s see what the night brings.