Into the Mist: Swedish Creatures and Legends

Journey into the mist, to a world where mysterious creatures and legends roam free. In this one-of-a-kind exhibition, explore the origins of Swedish legends and creatures—how they came to be, where they might be found, and why this lore has been carried forward through the ages.

What’s that noise? Did I just see that? Who is that? Where am I?

When the veil between our world and theirs grows thin, the American Swedish Institute’s Turnblad Mansion will be transformed into another world where these Swedish creatures and legends come to life. Through mystery and whimsy, large installations, and immersive experiences, both creatures and humans will see into each others’ worlds. Visitors will experience the environmental and social influences that influenced Swedish legends and will leave with a deeper understanding of how we continue to incorporate folklore in our everyday lives.

Into the Mist: Swedish Creatures and Legends will explore 13 iconic beings, some familiar across cultures and generations, others less so, including:

• Trolls, mountain-dwelling creatures who mine gems and brew beer
• Tomte, an iconic farmstead spirit who is very well-known at ASI
• Underjordiska, the hidden people who live peacefully in an invisible parallel world
• Gruvrå, a caretaker who watches over mines and quarries
• Näcken, a deadly water spirit known to lure wary travelers with its music
• Storsjöodjuret, Sweden’s infamous Lake Monster
• Kyrkogrim, the church grim who watches over the church and churchyard
• Mara, the night hag who causes unpleasant dreams and sleep paralysis
• Varulv, the being who transforms from human to three-legged beast
• Skogsrå, a formidable female forest spirit who rules over nature
• Jättar, giants of the landscape who occasionally throw rocks
• Svarta Madame, a Swedish Bloody Mary who appears in mirrors
• Spöken och gastar, ghosts and revenants prone to haunting castles (like ours!)

Humans have always been fascinated with the world around us, attempting to explain the unknown, understand natural phenomena, and cope when the world gets scary. ASI’s founder Swan Turnblad’s own fascination with folklore and stories can be found throughout the Mansion: griffins on the staircase banisters, gargoyles carved into the exterior limestone, and more. Into the Mist will also provide a closer look into the Turnblad Mansion, with views into spaces that have been closed to the public for many years. Be careful of who (or what) might be hidden in the shadows.