Norse
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Eigi Einhamr
The Eigi Einhamr are shapeshifters from Norway and Iceland. Its name translates to “not one-skinned” and they are believed to be capable of taking the form of any animal whose skin they wear. Sometimes it is believed that their shapeshifting is rather them sleeping and astrally projecting themselves in the form of various animals. They can switch between human and animal voluntarily and retain all intelligence and morals between their different forms. Some believe their powers of shapeshifting are gifts from the god Odin. Citations: Maberry, Jonathan. Vampire Universe: The Dark World of Supernatural Beings That Haunt Us, Hunt Us, and Hunger for Us. United States, Kensington Publishing Corporation, 2006.
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Dreki/Drekar
The Dreki are a form of Dragon present in Norse myth. They were often thought to be capable of flight, could breath fire from their mouths or nostrils, and may be described as having only two clawed front limbs. The Dragon Nidhogg from Norse myth was often referred to a Dreki instead of other kinds. The Dreki is depicted on viking ships, likely for the purpose of sympathetic magic. The Dreki are distinctly different from the Ormr, another form of Dragon in Norse myth. Citations: Fee, Christopher R.. Mythology in the Middle Ages: Heroic Tales of Monsters, Magic, and Might. United States, Praeger, 2011. Jesch, Judith. Ships and men in…
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Draugr
The Draugr are undead creatures from Norse myth. They are thought to be evil spirits possessing the corpse of deceased Vikings. They protect the treasure they’re buried with and collect more treasure by robbing other graves. They are capable of controlling weather, most often causing storms and thick fog. They can also take the form of predatory birds or wolves and possess supernatural strength with an invulnerability to weapons. They rise in the middle of the night to attack sleeping people, consume their flesh and blood, and bring back their bones to gnaw on in the grave. To kill a Draugr, someone who is pure of heart and in good…
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Brunnmigi/Brunmîgi/Þurs
The Brunnmigi is a creature from Norse myth. They’re sometimes seen as Trolls, serve the role of tricksters, and are commonly related to foxes, possibly being seen as a transformed version of them. They live near springs and infest them, and are know to urinate in wells. There is a story from Halv’s Saga where a Brunnmigi was attacked with a spear on fire. Citations: Norges land og folk: Finmarkens amt, udg. ved A. T. Helland. 1905-06. 3 pts. Norway, Aschehoug, 1906. Northern Mythology: Comprising the Principal Popular Traditions and Superstitions of Scandinavia, North Germany, and the Netherlands. United Kingdom, E. Lumley, 1851. Saga Book of the Viking Society for…
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Aarvak
The Aarvak is a notable horse from Norse mythology. This horse’s name means “early waker”. He pulls the sun chariot of Sol across the sky along with the horse Alsvid. He and Alsvid were both born in Muspelheim. He has runes carved in his ears and is protected by the shield Svalin against the sun. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016.
