Gnomes, Trolls and Fairies: Nordic Folklore and Tales
A two hour class about the old Nordic beliefs that we can still see today in books and movies.
Jessika O'Sullivan
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(1,165)
Popular
What's included
2 live meetings
2 in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 3 - 6
This two session class will bring the student into the deep forests in the Nordic countries. I will engage the student's imagination all the while they learn of the old beliefs that have been around since the bronze age. For thousands of years, the people of the north have believed in gnomes, fairies, trolls and many other magical creatures or people. To this day people will point to fog over the meadows during the light June nights and say it is the fairies dancing or put out a small plate with porridge on Christmas eve for the house gnome. And children in Sweden are often called trollunge (child troll) if they are mischievous. The first session will be focused around the more earthly creatures such as gnomes, trolls and elves. I will show pictures, speak of their habits and tell how you are supposed to treat such creatures if you would come them about. I will lead a discussion about how these are portrayed nowadays in books and films. The second session will be focused on fairies, the lady of the forest and the neck (water spirit). I will show pictures and tell the students how you should react around these creatures. I will again compare the old legends with today. Students don't need any deeper previous knowledge in before hand but should bring a curious mind. A couple of the characters and stories can be a little scary to sensitive students.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
One story about a water spirit includes a scene with a young woman killing herself
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2016
4.9
1165reviews
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
My teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in personal experience. Growing up with dysgraphia, I encountered teachers who left me feeling uncomfortable, insecure, and inadequate. Those experiences shaped my commitment to creating an environment where every student feels welcome, confident, and supported. My goal is to build students up, ensuring they leave my classes with both knowledge and self-assurance.
As a teacher, I bring a wide array of subjects to life in my classes, ranging from creative writing and Swedish (my native language) to world religions, the Holocaust, and novel studies with a focus on folklore. Each subject reflects my passions and areas of expertise, offering students a rich and dynamic learning experience.
With a master’s degree in education and a double major in social and political science and world religions, my professional background equips me to guide students through diverse and complex topics. Having taught across various age groups in Sweden and now the USA, I also incorporate the principles of student democracy, encouraging students to take an active role in shaping their own learning journey.
On a personal note, I’ve always had a vivid imagination—perhaps a result of my Nordic upbringing. As a child in Sweden, I was fascinated yet terrified by the stories of fairies that pervade our folklore. Now, as an immigrant in the USA, I weave that sense of wonder into my own creative works, which have earned me awards for poetry and short stories.Reviews
Live Group Class
$15
weekly1x per week, 2 weeks
60 min
Completed by 526 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
3-8 learners per class
