Helhesten

The Helhesten, also spelled Helhest, is a three-legged horse from Danish folklore. Its name translates roughly to "horse of Hel," referring to the Norse goddess of the underworld. It is believed to be an omen of death or a harbinger of misfortune.

Legend states that the Helhesten originated from horses buried alive beneath newly built churches. The purpose of this practice was to ensure the church's stability and protect it from evil spirits. Only a portion of the buried horses, said to be imperfect or prematurely born, would return as Helhesten. Because these horses weren't “whole” (often missing a leg) in life, they became spirits tied to death.

The Helhesten is usually described as a gaunt, ghostly white or grey horse. It is said to appear on roads or in graveyards, often at night. Its appearance is considered a warning of imminent death for anyone who sees it. Sometimes the Helhesten is believed to walk silently, but at other times, its hooves are said to make an abnormally loud and terrifying sound. Some accounts claim that touching the Helhesten brings immediate death.

The belief in the Helhesten likely served as a cautionary tale, reminding people of the fragility of life and the importance of respecting death and burial rituals. Its presence in folklore reflects the historical anxieties surrounding death, the supernatural, and the construction of sacred spaces. Similar mythical creatures exist in other Scandinavian countries, although the Helhesten’s specific three-legged characteristic is primarily associated with Danish folklore.