The minisheet features a mythical landscape in the moonlight. The DKK 4.75 stamp features motifs from a hill of elves – at the bottom the elf king and above him three seductive elf girls. The DKK 7.00 stamp features two mares at the top, in the middle the ghost horse surrounded by a goblin and a troll, and at the bottom two werewolves. The illustration in the middle of the sheet is of 'the Marsh Woman' brewing a ground mist and a band of will-o'-the-wisps and sprites.
Nordic mythology has always included creatures that both frighten and fascinate people – from tiny dwarves to giant trolls. The mythical creatures that populate landscapes are seldom visible in the daylight, preferring to appear at night instead. Their uncanny powers allow them to change the course of human lives.
Among the best-known mythical creatures were the elves. These types of beings, it was believed, were capable of making a decisive difference to people's lives. The dancing elf girls, beautiful from the front, but with hollow backs, could make you "elf-shot", i.e. mad with love, and tempt you to your doom in the elf-mounds where they lived. There are many tales of fateful relationships between men and elf girls.
Another important being is the troll: a large, ugly creature. According to legend, trolls in the countryside used to wage war on each other, throwing great stones which now lie scattered around the landscape.
Of all the supernatural creatures, the nisse or gnome is probably the one which has been most involved with human beings. Although mostly associated with Christmas, the gnomes are present all year round; they are helpful to humans when well treated, but can be malevolent if abused. If you perform a service for the mythical creatures, you can also be lucky enough to receive a great treasure as thanks. The mythical creatures keep their word, but they can also trick people, and can cause great harm to anyone who mocks or cheats them.
Nordic Mythology 2
Date of issue: 29 March 2006
Prices and motifs:
DKK 4.75 Hill of elves, elf girls and elf king
DKK 7.00 Mares, ghost horse, goblin, troll and werewolves
Artist: Bjorn Norgaard
Engraver: Martin Morck
Method of printing: Intaglio/offset
Printer: Post Denmark, Stamps
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