Myling/Myring/Myrding/Psyling/Mylingar

The Myling is a form of ghost from Scandinavian folklore. The Myling are sometimes thought to be identical to the Utburd. Sometimes, they are believed to be children murdered by their mothers, while other times they are seen as the ghosts of unbaptized children. They haunt remote areas and attack travelers, often being heard calling out for their mothers. They can take the form of living or dead people, and may imitate the speech, laughter, and singing of a person. Often, they jump on the backs of their victims and demand to be carried to the closest graveyard. As the Myling is carried, it slowly gets heavier and heavier. They rarely cause death, but when they do, it’s because the victim doesn’t reach the graveyard before the Myling gets too heavy. These victims are either crushed or ripped apart when the Myling becomes enraged at their failure. At times, they may attach themselves to horses and cause a great burden. Looking through the lifted headstall of the horse allows one to see the Myling on the horse. Witnessing this, however, often leads a person to fall ill with a sickness called Gastkramad. Wolves are known to be dangerous to these spirits.

Citations:

Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Spirits and Ghosts in World Mythology. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016.

An Encyclopedia of Fairies. N.p., Ty Hulse.

Northern Mythology: Comprising the Principal Popular Traditions and Superstitions of Scandinavia, North Germany, and the Netherlands. United Kingdom, E. Lumley, 1851.