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. Whatever the nature of the Nisse, they would never allow the mistreatment of animals. They could vanish easily, shapeshift, create illusions, or become completely invisible. It was said that Nisse would leave if given a new set of clothes.

Citations:

Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Fairies in World Folklore and Mythology. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2013.

Mack, Dinah, et al. A Field Guide to Demons, Fairies, Fallen Angels and Other Subversive Spirits. United States, Henry Holt and Company, 1999.