In the Nordic countries, pixies have been known for hundreds of years. The first written mention dates to the 14th century, and the oldest known drawing of a pixie appears in a book by Olaus Magnus from 1555.
Pixies are small-around 20 to 30 centimetres tall-and are usually dressed in green or brown clothing, with a long, pointed hat.
In the Faroe Islands, pixies usually live high up in the mountains, where few people ever go. There, they care for sheep, birds, and hares in distress. They also tend to the plants that grow on the mountainsides.
Some pixies live closer to humans-beneath remote houses or on farms. There, they look after livestock such as sheep, cattle, and horses, and help out with tidying and chores.
If you are lucky enough to have a pixie living nearby, you must take great care not to upset it. It is important not to shout at or annoy the pixie-and above all, to remember to leave out a bowl of porridge at Christmas. In return, the pixie will protect your home and bring good fortune.
In the old days, there were many stories about pixies who were not always so kind. If treated badly, a pixie might play tricks or steal from the household. There were even tales of stable pixies who quarrelled with those on neighbouring farms. Sometimes they would sneak into each other's barns at night, break tools, and disturb the animals so much they could not work properly the next day. These disputes could become so serious that the pixies had to be separated.
Pixies are difficult to spot, but they are very curious. If you decorate your home for Christmas, a pixie might slip inside to admire the festive ornaments.
Christmas is the highlight of the year for all pixies. They bustle about, bake treats, enjoy themselves, and help Father Christmas deliver gifts to the children.
During the festive season, it is sometimes possible to see pixie footprints in the snow. And if you are up very early, you might be lucky enough to glimpse one darting under a stone or into a hiding place. But if you are patient and very quiet, you might even see two small pixies sitting on a rock, playing Christmas music outside the house where the children are fast asleep.
Janus á Húsagarði
