Northern mythology

2 NORWEGIAN TRADITIONS.
having been conveyed by them into the mountains and
hills. They are also partial to little children, and formerly
would often exchange them for their own, which were
neither so handsome nor so thriving. But a cross made
on the child, or steel in any shape laid in its cradle, is an
effectual preventive of all such exchanges ^
With respect to these supernatural beings, the belief
current in the North is, that when our Lord cast down the
fallen angels, some fell to hell, while those who had not
sinned so deeply were dispersed in the air, and under the
earth, and in the waters ^.
A similar belief with regard to fairies prevails in Ireland. Keightley,
F. M. p. 363.
HULDRA OR HULLA.
Over the whole of Norway the tradition is current of a
supernatural being that dwells in the forests and mountains,
called Huldra or Hulla.
She appears like a beautiful
woman, and is usually clad in a blue petticoat and a white
snood ; but unfortunately has a long tail, like a cow's,
which she anxiously strives to conceal, when she is among
people. She is fond of cattle, particularly brindled ^ of
which she possesses a beautiful and thriving stock. They
are without horns. She was once at a merry-making,
where every one was desirous of dancing with the handsome,
strange damsel ; but in the midst of the mirth, a
young man, who had just begun a dance with her, hap-
])ened to cast his eye on her tail. Immediately guessing
whom he had got for a partner, he was not a little
terrified ; but collecting himself, and unwilling to betray
her, he merely said
to her, when the dance was over,
''Fair maid, you will lose your garter." She instantly
vanished, but afterwards rewarded the silent and consi-
1
Vayc, p. 20. - Asbjornsen, Iluldi-eeventyr, i. 29.
3 In the original brandede, the meaning of which is doubtful.