There are 9 creatures or beings of Finnish mythology, in this article we will know Hiisi, Peikko, ikku-tursu, keijo, Nakki, tonttu, ukko…
Finnish Mythology
In all countries, there are different mystical creatures and supernatural beings that belong to their own mythology. Finland does not escape from this; in fact, the different creatures of Finnish mythology have been a fundamental part of its culture even until the rapid urban growth presented in the twentieth century.
Most of these creatures are contained in Finnish fables; they even appear in the Kevala runic poems. Finnish children even today recognize very well versions of the stories of these creatures in modern children’s tales and sometimes also in some television programs.
In ancient times, many parents of restless children benefited from many of these dangerous creatures. Despite appearing in many Finnish literary works and legends; these creatures could not be captured with real pictures; only illustrations of them exist.
Creatures of Finnish mythology
1.- Hiisi
He is described as a giant, evil creature. It lives in the caves and wild rocky gorges of the mountains. It attacks all travelers who are adventuring in remote areas.
Avoids approaching human dwellings; however, they occasionally steal valuables from homes unseen. They create fields by throwing stones creating piles of them around them.
It is always making holes in some rocky outcrops, called “hiidenkirnut”; these are generally used by humans to churn milk and they also use them to produce butter in them.
2.- Peikko
He is described as a hairy man, which varied in size; small to giant, but had very large ears and nose. He lives deep in the darkest forests and ridges. He is very lazy and dumb.
It has the ability to transform itself for a long time and even for centuries, into aspects of landscapes. Some peikkos can be very aggressive and kidnap children who wander away from their homes.
They are also called “invisible Hammaspeikko”; children are very afraid of them because they inadvertently make holes in their teeth. There is another species of Peikko called “Känkkäränkkä”; they have the ability to make children have a bad mood, making them fight and do things that parents dislike.
3.- Iku-Turso
They describe it as a giant creature very scary, it comes from the depths of the sea; its appearance is very similar to a giant octopus, as it has large tentacles all over its body.
It lives in the great lakes, but especially in the Baltic Sea. This creature is also called “Tursas”; it is very solitary and when it is very upset it is highly aggressive and dangerous.
4.- Keiju
It is a very beautiful creature, which has the body of a woman but with wings similar to a butterfly. It lives in foggy forests and also likes deep ponds in meadows.
It does not like people, so it avoids them. However, if it does meet a human being, it is very friendly. He loves to dance in the woods and exists in a parallel world where peace and harmony prevail.
5.- Menninkäinen
It is a creature with physical features similar to a human, but it is of very short stature and its head is very large. He usually wears a pointed hat with his clothes.
It lives deep underground in the forests, although from time to time it may approach human settlements out of curiosity. It is generally very shy but very friendly.
Many times it can trick children with its games, so that they get lost in the deepest part of the forest. He is very intelligent, likes to dance, play and loves charades. His favorite pastime is to look for objects that shine.
6.- Nakki
She has an appearance similar to a woman and is apparently very nice and attractive; but in the end she reveals her true appearance. It is a creature with scaly skin and terribly hairy all over its body. It usually lives in deep ponds and even under bridges.
On some occasions it has been found in fountains and wells. It is always trying to trick children into approaching the waters where it is found. When it gets a child close enough, it pulls them deep enough to drown them.
7.- Tonttu
They have the appearance of a child, are small and always wear a red tunic accompanied by a dotted hat and a sled bell. They are mostly seen at Christmas time; their mission is to spy on children to notify any misbehavior and report it to Santa Claus.
The Tonttu live around human dwellings and farms. They are invisible and humorous. Likewise, they are usually guardians of human homes and more so when they are respected and fed by humans.
8.- Väinämöinen
He is described as an old hero, he is an old and wise man who is very much named in the compilations of the epic poems of the “Kalevala”. Although there is no concrete story or much data about Väinämöinen, he has served as inspiration for many artists, from artwork to music and literary works.
9.- Ukko
It is the god of time and lightning, is part of the supreme gods of Finnish mythology. His name means “old man”; he has also been related as god of fire.
The Finns made prayers and supplications to him to have a good fishing and hunting; to win the wars and also to bring the rains in the times of drought. They made a feast where they gave him offerings, they called it “Ukon vakat”.
Conclusion
The myology of Finland is full of mythological, imaginary, fantastic and mysterious creatures and beings. Like all countries it has creatures that are the protagonists of myths and legends of their culture and beliefs.
The creatures of Finnish mythology, are mostly independent beings with a supernatural character; and the belief of their existence or not is usually common among generations since its origins.
Many of these creatures are characterized by being “hybrids”, combinations of animals and anomalies with the physical characteristics of human beings. Which they use as an ability to deceive their victims.
