What is a Swedish elf called?

Swedish gnomes are small elf-like creatures that often lived around houses and in barns, according to legend. The Tomte is fond of caring for children, and if you befriended one of these creatures, then they would help to protect you against misfortune.

What are Swedish Christmas elves called?

Tomten (sometimes called Nisse) hasn't always been the Swedish Santa (replacing the Yule Goat); actually originating as a mythical creature in Scandinavian lore that played a role more similar to a “house gnome.” The tomten would secretly live in, or under, a house and protect the children and animals from evil or ...

What is a Swedish Nisse?

In Scandinavia, Pixies or Nisse is a household spirit that is responsible for the care and prosperity of a farm or family. A Nisse is usually described as a short man or woman (under four feet tall) wearing a red cap.

What does tomte mean in Swedish?

Tomte (Swedish) or Tonttu (Finnish, also called Nisse in Norway) are solitary, mischievous domestic spirits, responsible for the protection and welfare of a farmstead and its buildings.

What is the Swedish Santa Claus called?

Christmas in Sweden: The tomte, Sweden's version of Santa Claus, is a scary gnome.

5 Scary Elf Houses Caught on Camera!

What is a Swedish gnome?

Gnome in Swedish is called Tomte, with other words a Tomte is a Swedish gnome. They live in and around the houses and sheds on farms and remote houses according to the gnome folklore. If you are wise you will show them “due respect”. If you respect him, he will protect your household from accidents and disasters.

Is tomte Santa Claus?

The name of the Swedish Santa Claus is Jultomte, who was not always the Santa Claus of the Swedes. He is a mythical creature, born of legends. According to old Scandinavian legends, Christmas Eve is surrounded by magic and superstition.

Are tomte just for Christmas?

These Handmade Swedish Tomte Dolls Are Welcome Any Time of the Year. Not Only for Christmas. The tomte is one of the most familiar creatures of Scandinavian folklore. Legend has it that this mythical creature of Scandinavian folklore protects a farmer's home and children at night and also from misfortune.

What is the difference between Nisse and a tomte?

Tomte literally means “homestead man” and is derived from the word tomt which means homestead or building lot. Nisse is derived from the name Nils which is the Scandinavian form of Nicholas. A tomte is described as an older, little man about the size of a young child.

What is the difference between a Nisse and a gnome?

In Norway, gnomes are Nisse — creatures that live in barns or homes, protecting the countryside and the people who live there. Like Swedish gnomes, Norwegian gnomes are playful figures who can either be pranksters, or close friends.

What is a Scandinavian gnome?

They originated out of Scandinavian folklore and were “house gnomes” who lived in or under the house. They would protect the children and animals from evil or misfortune. Until recently, they have taken on the role similar to the American Santa. In Norway they call them, Nisse.

What are Danish gnomes called?

The Danes love gnomes, or as they call them nisser. The traditional gnome looks just like you would expect (kind of like a garden gnome), with a pointy red hat and a big bushy beard.

What are Danish elves called?

In Denmark, there is an entire sub-culture of elves called “Jule Nisser” (meaning Christmas elves or gnomes). They live in the forests, eat berries and fruit, and come into your home during the Christmas season to play tricks on the family.

What is a Christmas gnome called?

However, in Scandinavia, gnomes (known as nisse in Norway) are associated with the Christmas season. Much like the American Santa Claus, the julenisse—basically Kris Kringle in gnome form—visits the homes of good children on Christmas Eve.

What are Norwegian gnomes called?

Gnoms leprechaun gnome , norwegian gnome , swedish gnome.

What is tomte gnome?

The tomte is an essential part of Scandinavian folklore. He's a little gnome of sorts, dedicated to one home or farm, looking out for the farm animals and children of the place, pattering about by night, unseen, to check on everyone's welfare. Astrid Lindgren has adapted a poem into a wonderful tale about the Tomten.

What is the plural of tomte?

Plural (Indefinite): tomtar. Plural (Definite): tomtarna.

How do you pronounce tonttu?

What is Lucia day Sweden?

Lucia's Day, festival of lights celebrated in Sweden, Norway, and the Swedish-speaking areas of Finland on December 13 in honour of St. Lucia (St. Lucy). One of the earliest Christian martyrs, St. Lucia was killed by the Romans in 304 ce because of her religious beliefs.

What is Santa called in Finland?

Joulupukki - Santa Claus Finland.

What is a Scandinavian GONK?

Gonks stem from Nordic and Scandinavian mythology. They are meant to be something like a mix of a gnome and a hobgoblin. In the original folklore, these curious little creatures were said to take a liking to barns or houses in the colder seasons.

What does a Swedish gnome look like?

They are generally described as being short, having a long white beard, and wearing a conical or knit cap in gray, red or some other bright colour. They often have an appearance somewhat similar to that of a garden gnome.