Pixies - Faroe Islands : 2025

2025-Oct-20

If you are patient and very quiet, you might even see two small pixies sitting on a rock, playing Christmas music.

Artist: Janus á Húsagarði

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. 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.

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.