Scandinavia
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Utburd/Utböling/Utkasting
The Utburd is a form of ghost from Scandinavian mythology. They’re thought to be the ghosts of children left outside to die due to exposure. Sometimes the children are left out because they are deemed weak and deformed. Sometimes they’re viewed as identical to the Myling. They’re malicious creatures that seek vengeance. To stop a Utburd, their body must be found and properly buried on Holy ground and they could be stopped if you burn the remains. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Spirits and Ghosts in World Mythology. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016. Kvideland, Reimund, and Sehmsdorf, Henning K.. Scandinavian Folk Belief and Legend. United States, University of Minnesota…
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Troll/Hill Men/Hill-People/Jutul/Orcs/Rise/Trolds/Trows/Trulli
Trolls are creatures from Scandinavian folklore. Some count them as one of four kinds of fae seen as enemies to mankind. They are larger than humans, initially by a major degree but over time the difference was lessened, though they are always significantly stronger than humans. They are thought to be cannibalistic creatures that eat humans. They have hunched backs, long crooked noses, grey clothes, and red hats. They can become invisible through the use of their magic hats and are thought to be capable of giving immense strength to someone, see the future, and shapeshift into any form. In ballads they are said to have a king, but this…
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Skrat
The Skrat is a form of ghost from Scandinavian myth and a variation of the Myling. They toy with people at night, typically appearing at midnight and especially during the winter. They are known to hang on sledges and make the horses tired from the added weight. Once the horse is tired, the Skrat disappears while laughing. They have horse-like laughs and if someone finds treasure, the laugh of the Skrat can make it vanish. Citations: Northern Mythology: Comprising the Principal Popular Traditions and Superstitions of Scandinavia, North Germany, and the Netherlands. United Kingdom, E. Lumley, 1851.
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Nisse
The Nisse are a form of Fae from Scandinavian myth. They resemble small humans standing no more than a few inches or feet tall, with one eye, grey or white beards, and pointy red hats. They have wool-like hair, large lower lips, and no thumbs. They live in barns and need to be fed on Thursdays and Christmas Eve. It’s thought that they’re only active at night when people are asleep. They could be helpful, bringing good luck and doing work in exchange for a third of a houses crops. They could however be harmful, tripping people, pushing them down stairs, releasing animals from their pens, and playing various pranks.…
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Haugbui
The Haugbui is an undead creature from Scandinavian mythology. Its name means “mound dweller.” They are thought to be corpses who rise from the dead and collect treasure. When angered, Haugbui bring disease and misfortune that lasts through generations. They are believed to use a specific form of black magic called Trollskap. They can be appeased if offered the first bit of milk from a cow who just birthed a calf, or the first glass of ale brewed in a household. In desperate times, people would sacrifice cows to this creature. In other situations, they can be killed with fire or a large group of armed warriors. Citations: Maberry, Jonathan.…
