18 February 2026

The Magical Forest

There are sea peoples and forest peoples, there are desert peoples. Estonians are a people of both sea and forest – we find the woods to be intimate and dear. We ourselves aren’t always able to appreciate the treasure that surrounds us. Even nations with few remaining wooded areas still feel their attraction. The forest simultaneously intimidates and draws one in. 

The forest is also Janus-faced in ancient oral stories and recorded fairy tales. Forbidding and dangerous primeval woods have been home to all kinds of dark forces, witches, and giants who perpetually wish to cause harm. Flickering lights lead lone travelers astray. Stubborn and temperamental fairies bedevil enchanted wanderers and take them away, only to deposit them back into a world that has changed beyond recognition a century later – one where the victims must resume living as lonely souls, no longer belonging to either world. Not uncommon in these stories are ominous-looking cottages deep in the forest, inhabited by kind old folk who help and direct lost travelers who have fair minds and compassionate hearts. Even the forest animals split into two categories. There are vicious, malicious predators who won’t hesitate a moment before mauling a late traveler in the cruelest manner and devouring them for supper. But there are also friendly beasts who, as thanks for pulling a thorn from their paw, will summon their entire family to come to one’s aid, and often save their life. 

Ancient Estonians tended to look favorably upon the forest. It offered protection from foreign armies and powers and provided healers with cures for ailments. The forest fed and clothed; it gave shelter. Its evil was always far outdone by that of humans, and it was a place of refuge. In bygone times, a woodsman’s or hunter’s path might cross that of a sylvan spirit in the form of an old man who would put their goodness and justice to the test. Kindness was rewarded with the way back home or unexpected riches. Lying and carelessness were punished to some degree of severity. Witches and wizards have always resided on the fringes or in the depths of the forest, giving villagers a sense of unease but always helping and treating the sick when the situation is dire. 

Forest spirits’ justice for the fair and punishments for the liars could really come in handy today. We’ve witnessed far too much negligence and impunity with regard to woodlands. In modern times, it isn’t humans who need protection from the forest, but the forest that needs protection from human greed and avarice. 

Europe’s forests are primarily safe places nowadays. Dense primeval expanses have shrunk to little more than a memory, but the forest’s magical powers remain. Its mysteriousness and enchantment endure; its dream survives to this day. Thanks to this, the artists whom I invited to participate showed quick affinity for the topic and happily agreed to introduce us to their own magical forests. Every person has their forest, and every forest has its magic. And that’s just what you’ll find in these works. 

Viive Noor, exhibition curator 

Translated by Adam Cullen