5. Legends and Lore Throughout History
Throughout history, cultures worldwide have woven myths about the Northern Lights, viewing them as omens or messages from spirits. For instance, the Sámi people of northern Scandinavia believed the lights were the souls of the dead, and it was considered improper to discuss them or make noise under their glow. Similarly, Finnish folklore describes the auroras as “revontulet,” or “fire foxes,” with the belief that Arctic foxes running across the tundra created sparks that lit up the sky. In Norse mythology, the lights were thought to be the reflections of the Valkyries’ armor as they led fallen warriors to Valhalla. These diverse legends highlight the profound impact the Northern Lights have had on human imagination across different cultures. For more insights into these myths, visit Royal Museums Greenwich: Northern Lights Myths and Legends.