As you drive along Route 1 in South Iceland, keep watchful for interesting turf buildings. This one is built with field stones into the base of a massive boulder that fell from the Eyjafjöll mountain centuries ago. Inside of Rútshellir are two man-made caves. The larger of the two – about 65 feet long – was used to store hay. The caves’ appeal is enhanced by legends of the murder of Rútur, the evil original owner. Some people claim he was a menacing elf. Not far away are similar buildings called Drangurinn in Drangshlíð. Folklore suggests these cowsheds were the home of a man who married an elf woman. Apparently, the elves helped cows give birth here at night.
