Land spirits were the watchers of nature. They inhabited places like forests, groves, fields, or even rocks or boulders. They were delicate creatures, easily offended by things like making too much noise or disrespecting their sacred spaces. Those who incurred the wrath of the land spirits would be cursed with grave misfortune. They were so feared throughout the land that one of the first laws passed in Iceland was to cover dragon heads that had been carved onto the front of all boats before sailing ashore. This was so the sight of the ships did not scare the land spirits. To gain the favour of a land spirit was something highly sought after, and anyone lucky enough to earn it was blessed with unending fortune.
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