Sometimes reality surpasses even our most cherished myths, and that's exactly what happened when photographer Dennis Lehtonen captured a series of enchanting images in the remote Arctic village of Kilpisjärvi, Finland in December 2022.

The photographs show something truly magical: a real fox appearing beneath the dancing northern lights, as if stepping straight out of Finnish folklore. In traditional Finnish mythology, auroras are called revontulet, meaning "fox fires." The ancient story tells of a mystical fox racing across the Arctic tundra, its tail sweeping snow into the sky and setting it ablaze to create the glowing lights we know as auroras.

Lehtonen, who had moved to the tiny village of just one hundred residents specifically to pursue his passion for aurora photography, found himself with an unexpected companion during his nighttime expeditions. Over the course of several nights, this curious fox repeatedly joined him beneath the spectacular light displays, seeming far more interested in the photographer than the celestial show overhead.

The fox's playful nature added an extra touch of charm to the encounter. During one visit, the clever animal made off with Lehtonen's gloves while he was adjusting his camera equipment. "Whenever I would attempt to approach it, trying to get the gloves back, it would run away, but eventually returned them with fingers missing," Lehtonen shared with warmth and humor about the experience.

The setting itself couldn't have been more perfect for such magical moments. Kilpisjärvi sits deep inside the Arctic Circle, blessed with dark skies and frequent aurora displays that draw sky watchers from around the world. The moonlit Arctic landscape in three of the photographs adds an ethereal quality, illuminating the snowy terrain while the auroras paint vibrant colors across the heavens above.

Why This Inspires

This heartwarming story reminds us that nature still holds moments of pure wonder and serendipity. Lehtonen's dedication to his craft, moving to one of the most remote corners of Finland to pursue his aurora photography passion, was rewarded with something no amount of planning could guarantee: a living embodiment of his adopted country's most beloved legend.

The images represent more than just technical skill or being in the right place at the right time. They capture the beautiful intersection of human passion, wildlife curiosity, and natural wonder. In our busy, connected world, it's deeply reassuring to know that such spontaneous moments of magic still occur in the wild places of our planet.

Lehtonen has since continued his aurora chasing adventures, having moved to Greenland to follow the lights further. His experience in Finland stands as a testament to what happens when we pursue our passions with dedication and remain open to the unexpected gifts that nature can provide. The fox may have taken a few fingers from his gloves, but it gave him something far more valuable: photographs that breathe life into an ancient story and remind us all that sometimes, myths and reality dance together under the Arctic sky.