Nisse (folklore)

The nisse (plural: nissar) is a mythological creature originating in Scandinavian folklore. It is typically described as a short, bearded man, often wearing a red cap. The nisse is a solitary being, usually residing in the farm buildings of a property, acting as a guardian spirit of the farm.

Their role is to protect the farm, its people, and its animals from misfortune, provided they are treated with respect and proper offerings. Failure to acknowledge the nisse or treating them poorly can result in pranks, mischief, and even significant misfortune befalling the farm. Traditionally, they are placated with a bowl of porridge (often with butter on top) left out for them on Christmas Eve.

The nisse is often associated with Christmas traditions in Scandinavia. In modern times, they have evolved into a figure similar to Santa Claus or Father Christmas, bringing gifts to children on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. However, the traditional farm-dwelling nisse remains a distinct figure in folklore.

The nisse goes by different names in different regions and dialects. In Norway, it is often referred to as a nisse, while in Sweden, it is also known as a tomte. These terms are often used interchangeably, though slight regional variations in their associated characteristics may exist. The Finnish equivalent is the tonttu.