Long before science explained the aurora, the people of the north told stories about the dancing lights. In Finnish, the Northern Lights are called "revontulet" — literally "fox fires."
The fire fox
Finnish folklore says a magical Arctic fox runs across the fells, its tail sweeping snow into the sky or striking the snow to send sparks aloft — creating the aurora.
Sami beliefs
For the indigenous Sami people, the lights were treated with deep respect. Many traditions held that you should stay quiet and not wave, whistle or taunt the aurora, out of respect for the spirits or ancestors it was linked to.
Can you hear the aurora?
Rare reports describe faint crackles or claps during very strong displays. Scientists have recorded sounds linked to auroras on still, cold nights — a genuinely mysterious phenomenon.
Experience it yourself
Your guide on a Northern Lights tour will share local stories around the campfire as you watch the sky.