For thousands of years, the Northern and Southern Lights have mesmerised humanity, inspiring myths, legends, and folklore across cultures worldwide. Before modern science revealed their origin, many societies saw these shimmering lights as omens, spirits, celestial battles, or divine messages.

This chapter delves into the rich cultural significance of the Aurora—from Indigenous beliefs and ancient legends to modern interpretations.

The Sámi & Indigenous Beliefs

The Sámi people, the Indigenous inhabitants of Sápmi (Lapland), have a deep spiritual connection to the Aurora Borealis. Their traditions reflect both reverence and caution, viewing the lights as a powerful, mysterious force.

✔ A Connection to Spirits – Some Sámi believed the Aurora represented the souls of the departed moving across the sky. Whistling, singing, or pointing at the lights was thought to provoke the spirits, bringing bad luck or misfortune.
✔ A Symbol of Power – Others saw the Aurora as a celestial force, signifying the presence of divine beings watching over them.

Revontulet: The Fire of the Fox (Finnish Folklore)

One of the most famous Aurora legends comes from Finnish mythology. The Northern Lights are called Revontulet, meaning “Fox Fires”.

🦊 According to legend, an Arctic fox would run through snowy landscapes, brushing its tail against the ground, sending sparks into the sky—which became the Aurora.

🌍 Did You Know? Some Sámi traditions consider seeing the Aurora a sacred experience, one that should never be mocked or disrespected.

Aurora Legends from Around the World

Throughout history, different cultures developed unique interpretations of the Aurora, reflecting their spiritual, mythological, and social beliefs.

✔ Norse Mythology (Vikings) – The Vikings believed the Northern Lights were reflections of the Valkyries’ shields, guiding fallen warriors to Valhalla.
✔ Greenland & Inuit Traditions – Some Inuit tribes saw the Aurora as the spirits of ancestors playing games, while others believed they were animal spirits dancing in the sky.
✔ Japanese & Chinese Folklore – In some Asian traditions, conceiving a child under the Aurora was believed to bring good fortune and prosperity.
✔ North American Indigenous Tribes – The Cree, Ojibwa, and Algonquin peoples associated the Aurora with spirits of the dead, messages from ancestors, or celestial fires lighting the way for those in the afterlife.

🌍 Fascinating Insight: Among some Inuit groups, clapping or whistling at the Aurora was believed to call the spirits closer—but if done disrespectfully, the spirits might carry the person away.

Fear & Superstition

While many cultures saw the Aurora as a sign of guidance and wonder, others viewed it with fear and superstition.

✔ Medieval Europe – In the Middle Ages, Auroras were sometimes seen as a harbinger of war, plague, or disaster.
✔ Ancient China (200 BC) – Chinese astronomers recorded “red vapours” in the sky, believed to be warnings of political upheaval or the anger of the gods.
✔ Scotland & England – In history, blood-red Auroras were often linked to upcoming battles, death, or tragedy.

🌍 Did You Know? A particularly intense Aurora was reported in England and Scotland in 1719, terrifying villagers who believed it signalled divine punishment.