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Icelandic Aluminum Plant Delayed To Search For Elves
When Alcoa Inc. wanted to build a new aluminum smelting plant in Iceland, they were forced to hire an expert to make sure that none of the country's "hidden people" lived underneath the proposed building site. The legendary elves provoke serious apprehension in much of the country's population. An Alcoa spokesman said that the inspection (which delayed construction for six months) was costly but necessary. "We couldn't be in the position of acknowledging the existence of hidden people," he added. The job of an elf finder is not as easy as you might think. With a +2 racial bonus to hide, elves can be quite elusive. Ogre spotter, now that's an easy job.
From what I've read, that part of the world has strong beliefs in this type of superstition. Many of these superstitions date back at least thousands of years.
In Iceland, a decent percentage of the population believes in gnomes, faeries, and elves (among other things)
I have heard legend that the Shannon airport in Ireland either during construction or expansion, was delayed because a fairy circle existed in the planned construction area. Due to this, the runway was built in a different direction, so it didn't disturb the circle.
Beliefs in superstition aren't all that bad. There are plenty of things we don't know about the universe yet. Maybe they are simple superstition for unexplained things, or maybe (just maybe) they have a basis in reality somewhere.
I usually prefer not to bash anyone's superstitions. What if they're right. :)
A decent percentage of Americans are amazingly superstitious too, and follow those superstitions through their whole lives. Don't believe me? Check out any local church. I'm not saying religion is wrong. It could be right. Who am I to say that it's wrong. Someday I may find out the truth (probably a few seconds after I die, I would expect).
Before you bash the superstitions of others, look at your own.
Serious? Seriousness is well above my pay grade.