Because these creatures were so beloved by the humans who frequented their forests, woodsmen were known to leave a sizable stump remaining after chopping down a tree, and then mark it by carving a cross into the stump so that these fair woodland maidens had a safe place to hide. I still stand firm these are myths. These "small" spirits (small in comparison to the great deities of myth) represent remnants of the Old Religion that carried on at the local level for many hundreds of years. This literally means "hidden people," but it is thought that there may be a connection to Holle/Holda/Huldra. Included are descriptions of old forests; forest customs, temples and sacred groves; mythical forest creatures such as witches, fairies, demons, wood spirits, the "wild huntsman," and wood nymphs. You forgot one big guy though, Big Foot. This long-unavailable treasury of legend and lore will be welcomed by naturalists, anthropologists, students of folklore, and general readers alike. It is also often said that he wears his shoes on the wrong feet, and he casts no shadow. Though he is connected to all wild animals in his forest, bears were the beasts most associated with Leshy. This mummy was a small being discovered in the mountains in 1932. John Milton wrote in Paradise Regained (Bk ii. [31] Still, despite their perils and chances of error, such forests are places where the knights may become worthy and find the object of their quest; one romance has a maiden urging Sir Lancelot on his quest for the Holy Grail, "which quickens with life and greenness like the forest. The Huldra performs a similar role in the folklore of the forests of Scandinavia. Thank you, Carolyn; I thoroughly enjoyed reading you excellent article. Among the most fearsome creatures werewolves, bears, and wild boar.

In folklore and fantasy, an enchanted forest is a forest under, or containing, enchantments. I had never heard of these beings before I read your hub. Maitland, Sara. But, they also were home to fierce predators that once stalked the woods of Europe. On the other hand, spirits could be helpful. But, he is always described with wild green hair and a beard. Holle is known by many names in different German-speaking areas, and one of her monikers is "Holda," which is thought to be etymologically related to Huldra. He may have a similar origin as the British Green man, but is also in the vein of the wodewose (wild man) archetype.

There may be a connection between the Huldra and the German goddess Frau Holle.

From the early Middle Ages up into the early 20th century, for many folk living in the... Huldra.

From the early Middle Ages up into the early 20th century, for many folk living in the rural countrysides of Europe the wild aspect of nature was still untamed.