The Nisser or (Nisse), are still valuable parts of Scandinavian culture, and even have some connections to Christmas. You can learn more about the Huldra in John Bauer’s book on Swedish folk and Fairy tales. God said that the hidden children should remain hidden, and they became the “Underjordiske” - lost souls living under the earth.Īlthough Huldra was one of those hidden children, she managed to stay above the ground, and often appears as a young and flirtatious girl. When Eve and Adam had many children, she was giving them all a bath when God came to visit.Įve hid the children that were still dirty and lied to God about there whereabouts. The tale of the Huldra has a connection to the story of Adam and Eve. The Huldra, or Tallemaja in Swedish, is a troll-like female known for living in the woods.Īlthough the Huldra often has a beautiful appearance, she’s also wild and has the tail of a cow which she will often hide behind her back when meeting with a human. Today, we’re going to introduce you to some of the top creatures from Scandinavian legend that you should know about. Today, however, many of the more unnerving parts of the stories have changed to become more family-friendly.Īlthough, you can still track down some traditional books that tell older tales, like the Vaesen guide to the Monsters of Scandi folklore.

In the early days, some Scandinavian monsters were even intended to scare children into behaving. While some of the Scandinavian creatures that appear in these stories are good, others are much creepier - representing the forces of evil. The Scandinavian people have a rich set of traditions and stories, dating all the way back to the age of the Vikings.ĭepending on where you visit, from Norway to Denmark, you’ll discover a host of incredible tales about fairies, goblins, and other mythical creatures.Īmong children and adults alike, Scandinavian folklore stories are a beloved part of the culture, and something that many families hold dear.

Draugen creature