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{{short description|Nordic mythological creature}} |
{{short description|Nordic mythological creature}} |
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{{about|the mythical creature tomte/nisse|the band|Tomte (band)}} |
{{about|the mythical creature tomte/nisse|the band|Tomte (band)}} |
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[[File:Nisse1.jpg|thumb|A ''tomtenisse'' made of |
[[File:Nisse1.jpg|thumb|A ''tomtenisse'' made of [[salt dough]]. A common Scandinavian [[Christmas#Decorations|Christmas decoration]], 2004.]] |
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[[File:Kerstin MA foto Marie A.tif|thumb|Little girl tomte gnome, [[Skansen]], Stockholm, Sweden, 2012.]] |
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[[File:Nisse.jpg|thumb|Modern vision of a nisse]] |
[[File:Nisse.jpg|thumb|Modern vision of a nisse, 2007.]] |
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A {{lang|da|'''nisse'''|italics=no}} ({{IPA-da|ˈne̝sə|lang}}, {{IPA-no|ˈnɪ̂sːə|lang}}), '''tomte''' ({{IPA-sv|ˈtɔ̂mːtɛ|lang}}), {{lang|sv|'''tomtenisse'''|italics=no}}, or {{lang|fi|'''tonttu'''|italics=no}} ({{IPA-fi|ˈtontːu|lang}}) is a [[mythological]] creature from [[Nordic folklore]] today typically associated with the [[winter solstice]] and the [[Christmas]] season. 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]]. |
A {{lang|da|'''nisse'''|italics=no}} ({{IPA-da|ˈne̝sə|lang}}, {{IPA-no|ˈnɪ̂sːə|lang}}), '''tomte''' ({{IPA-sv|ˈtɔ̂mːtɛ|lang}}), {{lang|sv|'''tomtenisse'''|italics=no}}, or {{lang|fi|'''tonttu'''|italics=no}} ({{IPA-fi|ˈtontːu|lang}}) is a [[mythological]] creature from [[Nordic folklore]] today typically associated with the [[winter solstice]] and the [[Christmas]] season. 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]]. |
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The nisse is one of the most familiar creatures of [[Scandinavia |
The nisse is one of the most familiar creatures of [[Scandinavia]]n folklore, and he has appeared in many works of [[Scandinavian literature]]. With the romanticisation and collection of [[folklore]] during the 19th century, the nisse gained popularity. |
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==Terminology== |
==Terminology== |
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| footer =<!--From Asbjørnsen (1896) ''Norske Folke- og Huldre-Eventyr''.--> |
| footer =<!--From Asbjørnsen (1896) ''Norske Folke- og Huldre-Eventyr''.--> |
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}} |
}} |
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The word ''nisse'' is a pan-Scandinavian term.<ref name="norske-allkunnebok"/> Its current use in [[Norway]] into the 19th century is evidenced in Asbjørnsen's collection.<ref name=asbjornsen-NFHE-gammeldags-juleaften/><ref name=asbjornsen-NFHE-aftenstund/> The Norwegian {{lang|no|'''tufte'''}} is also equated to ''nisse'' or ''tomte''.<ref name=aasen-tufte/><ref name=brynildsen-tufte/> |
The word ''nisse'' is a pan-Scandinavian term.<ref name="norske-allkunnebok"/> Its current use in [[Norway]] into the 19th century is evidenced in [[Peter Christen Asbjørnsen|Asbjørnsen's]] collection.<ref name=asbjornsen-NFHE-gammeldags-juleaften/><ref name=asbjornsen-NFHE-aftenstund/> The Norwegian {{lang|no|'''tufte'''}} is also equated to ''nisse'' or ''tomte''.<ref name=aasen-tufte/><ref name=brynildsen-tufte/> |
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===English translations=== |
===English translations=== |
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Forms such as {{lang|no|tufte}} have been seen as [[dialect]]. [[Ivar Aasen|Aasen]] noted the variant form {{lang|no|'''tuftekall'''}} to be prevalent in the [[Nordland]] and [[Trondheim]] areas of Norway,<ref name=aasen-tufte/> and the tale『Tuftefolket på Sandflesa』published by [[Peter Christen Asbjørnsen|Asbjørnsen]] is localized in [[Træna]] in Nordland.{{Refn|group="lower-alpha"|The tale『Tuftefolket på Sandflesa』describes its setting as Trena, and Sandflesa is explained as a shifting bank off its shore.<ref name=christiansen&iversen-tuftefolk/>}} Another synonym is '''''tunkall''''' ("yard fellow"{{sfnp|Kvideland|Sehmsdorf|1988|p=238}}) also found in the north and west.{{sfnp|Christiansen|2016|pp=141, lc}} |
Forms such as {{lang|no|tufte}} have been seen as [[dialect]]. [[Ivar Aasen|Aasen]] noted the variant form {{lang|no|'''tuftekall'''}} to be prevalent in the [[Nordland]] and [[Trondheim]] areas of Norway,<ref name=aasen-tufte/> and the tale『Tuftefolket på Sandflesa』published by [[Peter Christen Asbjørnsen|Asbjørnsen]] is localized in [[Træna]] in Nordland.{{Refn|group="lower-alpha"|The tale『Tuftefolket på Sandflesa』describes its setting as Trena, and Sandflesa is explained as a shifting bank off its shore.<ref name=christiansen&iversen-tuftefolk/>}} Another synonym is '''''tunkall''''' ("yard fellow"{{sfnp|Kvideland|Sehmsdorf|1988|p=238}}) also found in the north and west.{{sfnp|Christiansen|2016|pp=141, lc}} |
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Thus ostensibly {{lang|no|tomte}} prevails in eastern Norway (and adjoining Sweden),{{sfnp|Stokker|2000|p=54}}{{sfnp|Grønvik, Ottar|1997|p=154}} although there are caveats attached to such over-generalizations by linguist {{ |
Thus ostensibly {{lang|no|tomte}} prevails in eastern Norway (and adjoining Sweden),{{sfnp|Stokker|2000|p=54}}{{sfnp|Grønvik, Ottar|1997|p=154}} although there are caveats attached to such over-generalizations by linguist {{interlanguage link|Oddrun Grønvik|no|Oddrun Grønvik}}.{{sfnp|Grønvik, Ottar|1997|p=154}}<ref name=llba/>{{Refn|group="lower-alpha"|Ottar Grønvik specifically addresses the generalization "tufte (-kall) har utbreeinga si noko nord- og vestafor tomte (-gubbe)," i.e., ''tufte''(-''kall'') being in use to the north and west of regions where ''tomte''(-''gubbe'') is prevalent, and states there is too scanty a material ("lite tilfang") to build on. Ottar Grønvik's 1997 study argues that in general, current literature "does not give an accurate picture of their distribution [i.e., of the geographical distribution of the usage of varying terms for ''nisse''] in the 19th century".<ref name=llba/>}} It might also be conceded that {{lang|sv|tomte}} is more a Swedish term than Norwegian.<ref>{{harvp|Knutsen|Riisøy|2007|p=48}} and note 28.</ref> In Scania, Halland and Blekinge the Nisse also known as '''goanisse''' (Godnisse, Goenisse≈the good Nisse).<ref>Axel Olrik and Hans Ellekilde: ''Nordens gudeverden'', p. 294</ref> |
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[[Reidar Thoralf Christiansen]] remarked that the "belief in the {{lang|no|nisse}} is confined to the south and east" of Norway,{{sfnp|Christiansen|2016|pp=141, lc}} and theorized the ''nisse'' was introduced to Norway (from [[Denmark]]) in the 17th century, but there is already mention of "Nisse pugen" in a Norwegian legal tract c. 1600 or earlier, and {{ |
[[Reidar Thoralf Christiansen]] remarked that the "belief in the {{lang|no|nisse}} is confined to the south and east" of Norway,{{sfnp|Christiansen|2016|pp=141, lc}} and theorized the ''nisse'' was introduced to Norway (from [[Denmark]]) in the 17th century, but there is already mention of "Nisse pugen" in a Norwegian legal tract c. 1600 or earlier, and {{interlanguage link|Otto Emil Birkeli|no|Otto Emil Birkeli|lt=Emil Birkeli}} (1938) believed the introduction to be as early as 13 to 14c.<ref>{{harvp|Knutsen|Riisøy|2007|p=51}} and note 35.</ref> The ''[[Norsk Allkunnebok]]'' encyclopedia was of the view that ''nisse'' was introduced from Denmark relatively late, and that native names found in [[Norway]] such as ''tomte'', {{lang|no|'''tomtegubbe'''}}, tufte, tuftekall, {{lang|no|'''gardvord'''}}, etc., date much older.<ref name="norske-allkunnebok"/><ref>Also quoted in {{harvp|Grønvik, Ottar|1997|p=130}}</ref> |
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===Etymology=== |
===Etymology=== |
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The term ''nisse'' may be derived from [[Old Norse]] {{lang|non|niðsi}}, meaning "dear little relative".<ref>{{harvp|Grønvik, Ottar|1997|pp=129, 144–145}}:"{{lang-no|den lille/kjære slektningen}}".</ref> Another explanation is that it is a corruption of Nils, the Scandinavian form of Nicholas.{{sfnp|Kvideland|Sehmsdorf|1988|p=238}}<ref name="norske-allkunnebok"/> A conjecture has also been advanced that ''nisse'' might be related to the "[[neck (water spirit)|nixie]]",<ref name=sayers/><ref name=falk&torp-nisse/> but this is a water |
The term ''nisse'' may be derived from [[Old Norse]] {{lang|non|niðsi}}, meaning "dear little relative".<ref>{{harvp|Grønvik, Ottar|1997|pp=129, 144–145}}:"{{lang-no|den lille/kjære slektningen}}".</ref> Another explanation is that it is a corruption of Nils, the Scandinavian form of [[Nicholas]].{{sfnp|Kvideland|Sehmsdorf|1988|p=238}}<ref name="norske-allkunnebok"/> A conjecture has also been advanced that ''nisse'' might be related to the "[[neck (water spirit)|nixie]]",<ref name=sayers/><ref name=falk&torp-nisse/> but this is a [[water sprite]] and the proper cognate is the ''[[nøkk]]'', not the ''nisse''.<ref name=binding-apud-briggs/> |
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The {{lang|sv|tomte}} ("homestead man"), {{lang|no|gardvord}} ("farm guardian"), and {{lang|no|tunkall}} ("yard fellow") bear names that associated them with the [[farmstead]].{{sfnp|Kvideland|Sehmsdorf|1988|p=238}} The [[Finnish language|Finnish]] {{lang|fi|tonttu}} is also derived from the term for a place of residence and area of influence: the house lot, {{lang|fi|tontti}} (Finnish).{{ |
The {{lang|sv|tomte}} ("homestead man"), {{lang|no|gardvord}} ("farm guardian"), and {{lang|no|tunkall}} ("yard fellow") bear names that associated them with the [[farmstead]].{{sfnp|Kvideland|Sehmsdorf|1988|p=238}} The [[Finnish language|Finnish]] {{lang|fi|tonttu}} is also derived from the term for a place of residence and area of influence: the house lot, {{lang|fi|tontti}} (Finnish).{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} |
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===Additional synonyms=== |
===Additional synonyms=== |
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Norwegian {{lang|no|gardvord}} is a synonym for ''nisse'',<ref name=falk&torp-nisse/><ref name=aasen-gardvord/>{{Refn|group="lower-alpha"|Or synonymous with {{lang|no|tunkall}}, as Christiansen comments,{{sfnp|Christiansen|2016|p=143}} but this concerns the tale "The ''Gardvord'' Beats up the ''Troll''" collected by Ivar Aasen, and Aasen's dictionary glosses ''gardvord'' as 'nisse, vætte', as a thing believed to reside on the farm ({{lang-da|gård}}).<ref name=aasen-gardvord/>}} or has become conflated |
Norwegian {{lang|no|gardvord}} is a synonym for ''nisse'',<ref name=falk&torp-nisse/><ref name=aasen-gardvord/>{{Refn|group="lower-alpha"|Or synonymous with {{lang|no|tunkall}}, as Christiansen comments,{{sfnp|Christiansen|2016|p=143}} but this concerns the tale "The ''Gardvord'' Beats up the ''Troll''" collected by Ivar Aasen, and Aasen's dictionary glosses ''gardvord'' as 'nisse, vætte', as a thing believed to reside on the farm ({{lang-da|gård}}).<ref name=aasen-gardvord/>}} or has become conflated with it.{{sfnp|Bringsværd|1970|p=89}} Likewise {{lang|no|'''turvord'''}} is a synonym.<ref name=falk&torp-nisse/> |
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;Near synonyms |
;Near synonyms |
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[[File:Nisser i vinduskarmen.JPG|thumb|Nisser on a windowsill]] |
[[File:Nisser i vinduskarmen.JPG|thumb|Nisser on a windowsill]] |
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According to tradition, the nisse lives in the houses and [[ |
According to tradition, the nisse lives in the houses and [[barn]]s of the farmstead, and secretly acts as their guardian.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=te4cSgAACAAJ German and Scandinavian Legendary Creatures] Retrieved 2 December 2013</ref> If treated well, they protect the family and animals from evil and misfortune,<ref>[http://www.mantecabulletin.com/archives/60065/ Keeping Swedish culture alive with St. Lucia Day, Tomte] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203041425/http://www.mantecabulletin.com/archives/60065/ |date=2013-12-03 }} Retrieved 2 December 2013</ref> and may also aid the chores and farm work.<ref>[http://www.minnpost.com/max-about-town/2011/12/tomte-scandinavian-christmas-traditions-american-swedish-institute Tomte: Scandinavian Christmas traditions at the American Swedish Institute] Retrieved 2 December 2013</ref> However, they are known to be short tempered, especially when offended. Once insulted, they will usually play tricks, steal items and even maim or kill [[livestock]].<ref>[http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2012/apr/07/tell-me-a-story-408/ Friedman, Amy. Go San Angelo: Standard-Times. "Tell Me a story: The Tomte's New Suit (A Swedish Tale)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203023224/http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2012/apr/07/tell-me-a-story-408/ |date=2013-12-03 }}. Retrieved 2 December 2013.</ref> |
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==Appearance== |
==Appearance== |
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[[File:Glædelig Jul, 1885.jpg|thumb|Nisse on Christmas Card (1885)]] |
[[File:Glædelig Jul, 1885.jpg|thumb|Nisse on Christmas Card (1885)]] |
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The nisse/tomte was often imagined as a small, elderly man (size varies from a few inches to about half the height of an adult man), often with a full beard; dressed in the traditional farmer garb, consisting of a pull-over [[woolen]] [[tunic]] belted at the waist and knee [[breeches]] with [[ |
The nisse/tomte was often imagined as a small, elderly man (size varies from a few inches to about half the height of an adult man), often with a full beard; dressed in the traditional farmer garb, consisting of a pull-over [[woolen]] [[tunic]] belted at the waist and knee [[breeches]] with [[stocking]]s. This was still the common male dress in rural Scandinavia in the 17th century, giving an indication of when the idea of the nisse spread. However, there are also folktales where he is believed to be a [[shapeshifting|shapeshifter]] able to take a shape far larger than an adult man, and other tales where the nisse is believed to have a single, [[Cyclopes|Cyclopean]] eye. In modern Denmark, nisser are often seen as beardless, wearing grey and red woolens with a red cap. Since nisser are thought to be skilled in illusions and sometimes able to make themselves invisible, one was unlikely to get more than brief glimpses of him no matter what he looked like. Norwegian folklore states that he has four fingers, and sometimes with pointed ears and eyes [[tapetum lucidum|reflecting light]] in the dark, like those of a [[cat]]. |
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<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ingebretsens.com/culture/traditions/legend-of-nisse-and-tomte |title= |
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ingebretsens.com/culture/traditions/legend-of-nisse-and-tomte |title=Legend of the Nisse and Tomte |publisher=Ingebretsen's |access-date=June 1, 2019 |archive-date=June 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605202418/https://www.ingebretsens.com/culture/traditions/legend-of-nisse-and-tomte |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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|publisher= Ingebretsen's |access-date=June 1, 2019}}</ref> |
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===Height=== |
===Height=== |
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The '' |
The ''Tomte''{{'}}s height is anywhere from {{cvt|60|cm|ft|sigfig=1}} to no taller than {{cvt|90|cm|ft|sigfig=1}} according to one Swedish-American source,<ref name=swedish-council-america/> whereas the ''tomte'' (pl. ''tomtarna'') were just 1 ''[[Swedish units of measurement#Old length units|aln]]'' tall (an ''aln'' or Swedish [[ell]] being just shy of 60 cm or 2 ft), according to one local Swedish tradition.{{Refn|group="lower-alpha"|While a ''gaste'' was 2 ''alnar'' tall.<ref name=arill/>}}<ref name=arill/> |
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==Temperament== |
==Temperament== |
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{{ |
{{refimprove section|date=March 2024}} |
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[[File:Tomtestealinghay.jpg|thumb|An illustration made by {{lang|no|[[Gudmund Stenersen]]}} of an angry tomte stealing hay from a farmer.]] |
[[File:Tomtestealinghay.jpg|thumb|An illustration made by {{lang|no|[[Gudmund Stenersen]]}} of an angry tomte stealing hay from a farmer.]] |
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Despite his small size, nisse possess [[super-strength|immense strength]]. They are easily offended by carelessness, lack of proper respect, and lazy farmers. As the protector of the farm and caretaker of livestock, their retributions for bad practices range from small pranks like a hard strike to the ear to more severe punishment like killing of livestock or ruining of the farm's fortune. Observance of traditions is thought to be important to the nisse, as they do not like changes in the way things are done at their farms. They are also easily offended by rudeness; farm workers swearing, urinating in the barns, or not treating the creatures well can frequently lead to a sound thrashing by the tomte/nisse. If anyone spills something on the floor in the |
Despite his small size, nisse possess [[super-strength|immense strength]].<ref name="narratives">{{Cite journal |last1=Lillejord |first1=S |last2=Mkabela |first2=N |date=2004 |title=Indigenous and popular narratives: The educational use of myths in a comparative perspective |url=https://journals.co.za/doi/pdf/10.10520/EJC37091 |journal=South African Journal of Higher Education |volume=18 |issue=3 |pages=257–268 |via=Unisa Press}}</ref> They are easily offended by carelessness, lack of proper respect, and lazy farmers.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Rue |first=Anna |date=2018 |title="It Breathes Norwegian Life": Heritage Making at Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5406/scanstud.90.3.0350 |journal=Scandinavian Studies |volume=90 |issue=3 |pages=350–375 |doi=10.5406/scanstud.90.3.0350 |jstor=10.5406/scanstud.90.3.0350 |issn=0036-5637}}</ref> As the protector of the farm and caretaker of livestock, their retributions for bad practices range from small pranks like a hard strike to the ear to more severe punishment like killing of livestock or ruining of the farm's fortune. Observance of traditions is thought to be important to the nisse, as they do not like changes in the way things are done at their farms. They are also easily offended by rudeness; farm workers swearing, urinating in the barns, or not treating the creatures well can frequently lead to a sound thrashing by the tomte/nisse. If anyone spills something on the floor in the nisse's house, it is considered proper to shout a warning to the tomte below. |
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One is also expected to please nisse with gifts (see {{lang|non|[[Blót]]}}) – a traditional gift is a bowl of porridge on [[Christmas Eve]]. If the tomte is not given his gift, he might leave the farm or house or engage in mischief such as tying the cows' tails together in the barn, turning objects upside-down, and breaking things (like a [[troll]]). The nisse likes his [[porridge]] with a pat of [[butter]] on the top. In an often retold story, a farmer put the butter ''underneath'' the porridge. When the nisse of his farmstead found that the butter was missing, he was filled with rage and killed the cow resting in the barn. But, as he thus became hungry, he went back to his porridge (ricepudding) and ate it, and so found the butter at the bottom of the bowl. Full of grief, he then hurried to search the lands to find another farmer with an identical cow, and replaced the former with the latter. In another tale a Norwegian maid decided to eat the porridge herself, and ended up severely beaten by the nisse. The being swore: "Have you eaten the porridge for the nisse, you have to dance with him!". The farmer found her nearly lifeless the morning after. |
One is also expected to please nisse with gifts (see {{lang|non|[[Blót]]}}) – a traditional gift is a bowl of porridge on [[Christmas Eve]]. If the tomte is not given his gift, he might leave the farm or house or engage in mischief such as tying the cows' tails together in the barn, turning objects upside-down, and breaking things (like a [[troll]]). The nisse likes his [[porridge]] with a pat of [[butter]] on the top. In an often retold story,<ref name="swedishpress" /> a farmer put the butter ''underneath'' the porridge. When the nisse of his farmstead found that the butter was missing, he was filled with rage and killed the cow resting in the barn. But, as he thus became hungry, he went back to his porridge (ricepudding) and ate it, and so found the butter at the bottom of the bowl. Full of grief, he then hurried to search the lands to find another farmer with an identical cow, and replaced the former with the latter. In another tale a Norwegian maid decided to eat the porridge herself, and ended up severely beaten by the nisse. The being swore: "Have you eaten the porridge for the nisse, you have to dance with him!". The farmer found her nearly lifeless the morning after. |
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The nisse is connected to farm animals in general, but his most treasured animal is the horse. Belief has it that one could see which horse was the tomte's favourite as it will be especially healthy and well taken care of. Sometimes the tomte will even braid its hair and tail. Undoing these braids without permission can mean misfortune or angering the tomte. Some stories tell how the nisse could drive people mad or bite them. The bite from a nisse is poisonous, and otherworldly healing is usually required. As the story goes, a girl who was bitten withered and died before help arrived. |
The nisse is connected to farm animals in general, but his most treasured animal is the horse.<ref name="narratives" /> Belief has it that one could see which horse was the tomte's favourite as it will be especially healthy and well taken care of. Sometimes the tomte will even braid its hair and tail. Undoing these braids without permission can mean misfortune or angering the tomte. Some stories tell how the nisse could drive people mad or bite them. The bite from a nisse is poisonous, and otherworldly healing is usually required. As the story goes, a girl who was bitten withered and died before help arrived. |
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An angry tomte is featured in the popular children's book by Swedish author {{lang|sv|[[Selma Lagerlöf]]}}, {{lang|sv|[[The Wonderful Adventures of Nils|Nils Holgerssons underbara resa genom Sverige]]}} (''The Wonderful Adventures of Nils''). The tomte turns the naughty boy Nils into a pixie in the beginning of the book, and Nils then travels across Sweden on the back of a goose. |
An angry tomte is featured in the popular children's book by Swedish author {{lang|sv|[[Selma Lagerlöf]]}}, {{lang|sv|[[The Wonderful Adventures of Nils|Nils Holgerssons underbara resa genom Sverige]]}} (''The Wonderful Adventures of Nils''). The tomte turns the naughty boy Nils into a pixie in the beginning of the book, and Nils then travels across Sweden on the back of a goose. |
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==After Christianization== |
==After Christianization== |
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{{unreferenced section|date=November 2016}} |
{{unreferenced section|date=November 2016}} |
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The nisse or tomte was in ancient times believed to be the "soul" of the first |
The nisse or tomte was in ancient times believed to be the "soul" of the first inhabitant of the farm; he who cleared the {{lang|sv|tomt}} (house lot). He had his dwellings in the [[burial mounds]] on the farm, hence the now somewhat archaic Swedish names {{lang|sv|tomtenisse}} and {{lang|sv|tomtekarl}}, the Swedish and Norwegian {{lang|sv|tomtegubbe}} and {{lang|sv|tomtebonde}} ("tomte farmer"), Danish {{lang|da|husnisse}} ("house nisse"), the Norwegian {{lang|no|haugkall}} ("mound man"), and the Finnish {{lang|fi|tonttu-ukko}} (lit. "house lot man"). |
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The nisse was not always a popular figure, particularly during and after the Christianization of Scandinavia. Like most creatures of folklore he would be seen as heathen (pre-Christian) and be demonized and connected to the [[Devil]]. Farmers believing in the house tomte could be seen as |
The nisse was not always a popular figure, particularly during and after the Christianization of Scandinavia. Like most creatures of folklore he would be seen as heathen (pre-Christian) and be demonized and connected to the [[Devil]]. Farmers believing in the house tomte could be seen as worshiping false gods or demons; in a famous 14th-century decree, [[Saint Birgitta]] warns against the worship of {{lang|sv|tompta gudhi}},<ref name="swedishpress">{{Cite web |date=2018-12-22 |title=The Swedish Tomte – Swedish Press |url=https://swedishpress.com/the-genealogy-of-the-swedish-tomte/ |access-date=2024-03-16 |language=en-US}}</ref> "tomte gods" ({{lang|la|Revelationes}}, book VI, ch. 78). Folklore added other negative beliefs about the tomte, such as that having a tomte on the farm meant you put the fate of your soul at risk, or that you had to perform various non-Christian rites to lure a tomte to your farm. |
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The belief in a nisse's tendency to bring riches to the farm by his unseen work could also be dragged into the conflicts between |
The belief in a nisse's tendency to bring riches to the farm by his unseen work could also be dragged into the conflicts between neighbors. If one farmer was doing far better for himself than the others, someone might say that it was because he had a nisse on the farm, doing "ungodly" work and stealing from the neighbors. These rumors could be very damaging for the farmer who found himself accused, much like accusations of [[witchcraft]] during the [[Inquisitions]]. |
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==Similar folklore== |
==Similar folklore== |
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{{ |
{{See also|Little people (mythology)#Native American folklore}} |
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{{unreferenced section|date=November 2016}} |
{{unreferenced section|date=November 2016}} |
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The nisse shares many aspects with other Scandinavian [[wights]] such as the Swedish {{lang|sv|[[vättar]]}} (from the Old Norse {{lang|non|vættr}}), Danish {{lang|da|vætter}}, Norwegian {{lang|no|vetter}} or {{lang|no|[[tusser]]}}. These beings are social, however, whereas the nisse is always solitary (though he is now often pictured with other nisser). Synonyms of {{lang|da|nisse}} includes {{lang|no|gårdbo}} ("(farm)yard-dweller"), {{lang|no|gardvord}} ("yard-warden", see {{lang|non|[[vörðr]]}}) in all Scandinavian languages, and {{lang|da|god bonde}} ("good farmer"), {{lang|sv|gårdsrå}} ("yard-spirit") in Swedish and Norwegian and {{lang|no|fjøsnisse}} ("barn gnome") in Norwegian. The tomte could also take a ship for his home, and was then known as a {{lang|sv|skeppstomte}} or {{lang|no|skibsnisse}}. In [[Finland]], the [[Finnish sauna|sauna]] has a ''saunatonttu''. Also related is the [[Niß Puk|Nis Puk]],<ref>e. g. Hans Rasmussen: ''Sønderjyske sagn og gamle fortællinger'', 2019, ISBN 978-8-72-602272-8</ref> which is widespread in the area of [[Southern Jutland]]/[[Duchy of Schleswig|Schleswig]], in the Danish-German border area. |
The nisse shares many aspects with other Scandinavian [[wights]] such as the Swedish {{lang|sv|[[vättar]]}} (from the Old Norse {{lang|non|vættr}}), Danish {{lang|da|vætter}}, Norwegian {{lang|no|vetter}} or {{lang|no|[[tusser]]}}. These beings are social, however, whereas the nisse is always solitary (though he is now often pictured with other nisser). Often comparable to the Latin American "Duende". Synonyms of {{lang|da|nisse}} includes {{lang|no|gårdbo}} ("(farm)yard-dweller"), {{lang|no|gardvord}} ("yard-warden", see {{lang|non|[[vörðr]]}}) in all Scandinavian languages, and {{lang|da|god bonde}} ("good farmer"), {{lang|sv|gårdsrå}} ("yard-spirit") in Swedish and Norwegian and {{lang|no|fjøsnisse}} ("barn gnome") in Norwegian. The tomte could also take a ship for his home, and was then known as a {{lang|sv|skeppstomte}} or {{lang|no|skibsnisse}}. In [[Finland]], the [[Finnish sauna|sauna]] has a ''saunatonttu''. Also related is the [[Niß Puk|Nis Puk]],<ref>e. g. Hans Rasmussen: ''Sønderjyske sagn og gamle fortællinger'', 2019, ISBN 978-8-72-602272-8</ref> which is widespread in the area of [[Southern Jutland]]/[[Duchy of Schleswig|Schleswig]], in the Danish-German border area. |
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In other European folklore, there are many beings similar to the nisse, such as the Scots and English ''[[brownie (elf)|brownie]]'', [[Northumbria]]n English ''[[hob (folklore)|hob]]'', [[West Country]] ''[[pixie]]'', the German {{lang|de|[[Heinzelmännchen]]}}, the Dutch {{lang|nl|[[kabouter]]}} or the Slavic {{lang|ru-Latn|[[domovoi]]}}. Usage in folklore in expressions such as Nisse god dräng ("Nisse good lad") is suggestive of [[Robin Goodfellow]].<ref name="bl-svenska-man"/> |
In other European folklore, there are many beings similar to the nisse, such as the Scots and English ''[[brownie (elf)|brownie]]'', [[Northumbria]]n English ''[[hob (folklore)|hob]]'', [[West Country]] ''[[pixie]]'', the German {{lang|de|[[Heinzelmännchen]]}}, the Dutch {{lang|nl|[[kabouter]]}} or the Slavic {{lang|ru-Latn|[[domovoi]]}}. Usage in folklore in expressions such as Nisse god dräng ("Nisse good lad") is suggestive of [[Robin Goodfellow]].<ref name="bl-svenska-man"/> |
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[[File:Swedish Christmas card.jpg|thumb|Swedish Christmas card featuring tomte]] |
[[File:Swedish Christmas card.jpg|thumb|Swedish Christmas card featuring tomte]] |
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[[File:John Bauer Julbock.jpg|thumb|Julbocken by John Bauer (1912)]] |
[[File:John Bauer Julbock.jpg|thumb|Julbocken by John Bauer (1912)]] |
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[[File:Little Swedish tomte made of cork and wool with a Christmas wish, Leiden, December 2023 - 2.jpg|thumb|Little Swedish tomte homemade of cork and wool with a Christmas wish, December 2023.]] |
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{{see also|Santa Claus}} |
{{see also|Santa Claus}} |
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{{Cleanup|section|reason=Doesn't fully account for the "santa clausification" of the nordic countries - see talk.|date=December 2016}} |
{{Cleanup|section|reason=Doesn't fully account for the "santa clausification" of the nordic countries - see talk.|date=December 2016}} |
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The tradition of nisse/tomte is also associated with Christmas ({{lang-sv|Jultomten}}, {{lang-da| |
The tradition of nisse/tomte is also associated with Christmas ({{lang-sv|Jultomten}}, {{lang-da|Julenisserne}}, {{lang-no|Julenissen}} or {{lang-fi|Joulutonttu}}.<ref>[http://www.thelocal.se/5842/20061218/ Local.se. "Introducing... Christmas Tomte."]. Retrieved 2 December 2013.</ref>) The tomte is accompanied by another mythological creature: the [[Yule goat]] ({{lang|sv|Julbocken}}). The pair appear on [[Christmas Eve]], knocking on the doors of people's homes, [[Christmas gift-bringer|handing out presents]].<ref>{{lang|sv|Schager Karin}} (1989) {{lang|sv|Julbocken i folktro och jultradition (Rabén & Sjögren)}}</ref> |
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The nisse will deliver gifts at the door, in accordance with the modern-day tradition of the visiting [[Santa Claus]], enters homes to hand out presents.<ref>[http://www.sweden.se/eng/Home/Lifestyle/Traditions/Celebrating-the-Swedish-way/Lucia/ Lucia] Retrieved 2 December 2013</ref> The tomte/nisse is also commonly seen with a pig, another popular [[Christmas]] symbol in [[Scandinavia]], probably related to fertility and their role as guardians of the farmstead. It is customary to leave behind a bowl of [[porridge]] with butter for the tomte/nisse, in gratitude for the services rendered.<ref>[http://www.enspyre-academy.com/en/about-us/news/106--tomtar- A Swedish Christmas song about Tomtar (gnomes)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203202657/http://www.enspyre-academy.com/en/about-us/news/106--tomtar- |date=2013-12-03 }} Retrieved 2 December 2013</ref> |
The nisse will deliver gifts at the door, in accordance with the modern-day tradition of the visiting [[Santa Claus]], enters homes to hand out presents.<ref>[http://www.sweden.se/eng/Home/Lifestyle/Traditions/Celebrating-the-Swedish-way/Lucia/ Lucia] Retrieved 2 December 2013</ref> The tomte/nisse is also commonly seen with a pig, another popular [[Christmas]] symbol in [[Scandinavia]], probably related to fertility and their role as guardians of the farmstead. It is customary to leave behind a bowl of [[porridge]] with butter for the tomte/nisse, in gratitude for the services rendered.<ref>[http://www.enspyre-academy.com/en/about-us/news/106--tomtar- A Swedish Christmas song about Tomtar (gnomes)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203202657/http://www.enspyre-academy.com/en/about-us/news/106--tomtar- |date=2013-12-03 }} Retrieved 2 December 2013</ref> |
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[[File:Julemotiv tegnet av Jenny Nystrøm (24207693358).jpg|left|thumb| |
[[File:Julemotiv tegnet av Jenny Nystrøm (24207693358).jpg|left|thumb|Swedish Christmas card by [[Jenny Nyström]], circa 1899.]] |
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In the 1840s the farm's {{lang|da|nisse}} became the bearer of Christmas presents in Denmark, and was then called {{lang|da|julenisse}} (Yule Nisse). In 1881, the Swedish magazine {{lang|sv|Ny Illustrerad Tidning}} published [[Viktor Rydberg]]'s poem "Tomten", where the tomte is alone awake in the cold Christmas night, pondering the mysteries of life and death. This poem featured the first painting by [[Jenny Nyström]] of this traditional Swedish mythical character which she turned into the white-bearded, red-capped friendly figure associated with Christmas ever since. Shortly afterwards, and obviously influenced by the emerging [[Father Christmas]] traditions as well as the new Danish tradition, a variant of the nisse/tomte, called the {{lang|sv|jultomte}} in Sweden and {{lang|no|julenisse}} in Norway, started bringing the Christmas presents in Sweden and Norway, instead of the traditional {{lang|sv|julbock}} ([[Yule Goat]]). |
In the 1840s the farm's {{lang|da|nisse}} became the bearer of Christmas presents in Denmark, and was then called {{lang|da|julenisse}} (Yule Nisse). In 1881, the Swedish magazine {{lang|sv|Ny Illustrerad Tidning}} published [[Viktor Rydberg]]'s poem "[[Tomten (poem)|Tomten]]", where the tomte is alone awake in the cold Christmas night, pondering the mysteries of life and death. This poem featured the first painting by [[Jenny Nyström]] of this traditional Swedish mythical character which she turned into the white-bearded, red-capped friendly figure associated with Christmas ever since. Shortly afterwards, and obviously influenced by the emerging [[Father Christmas]] traditions as well as the new Danish tradition, a variant of the nisse/tomte, called the {{lang|sv|jultomte}} in Sweden and {{lang|no|julenisse}} in Norway, started bringing the Christmas presents in Sweden and Norway, instead of the traditional {{lang|sv|julbock}} ([[Yule Goat]]). |
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Gradually, commercialism has made him look more and more like the American [[Santa Claus]], but the Swedish {{lang|sv|[[jultomte]]}}, the Norwegian {{lang|no|julenisse}}, the Danish {{lang|da|julemand}} and the Finnish {{lang|fi|[[joulupukki]]}} (in Finland he is still called the ''Yule Goat'', although his animal features have disappeared) still has features and traditions that are rooted in the local culture. He doesn't live on the North Pole, but perhaps in a forest nearby, or in Denmark he lives on [[Greenland]], and in Finland he lives in [[Lapland (Finland)|Lapland]]; he doesn't come down the chimney at night, but through the front door, delivering the presents directly to the children, just like the Yule Goat did; he is not overweight; and even if he nowadays sometimes rides in a sleigh drawn by reindeer, instead of just walking around with his sack, his reindeer don't |
Gradually, commercialism has made him look more and more like the American [[Santa Claus]], but the Swedish {{lang|sv|[[jultomte]]}}, the Norwegian {{lang|no|julenisse}}, the Danish {{lang|da|julemand}} and the Finnish {{lang|fi|[[joulupukki]]}} (in Finland he is still called the ''Yule Goat'', although his animal features have disappeared) still has features and traditions that are rooted in the local culture. He doesn't live on the North Pole, but perhaps in a forest nearby, or in Denmark he lives on [[Greenland]], and in Finland he lives in [[Lapland (Finland)|Lapland]]; he doesn't come down the chimney at night, but through the front door, delivering the presents directly to the children, just like the Yule Goat did; he is not overweight; and even if he nowadays sometimes rides in a sleigh drawn by reindeer, instead of just walking around with his sack, his reindeer don't fly—and in Sweden, Denmark and Norway some still put out a bowl of porridge for him on Christmas Eve. He is still often pictured on Christmas cards and house and garden decorations as the little man of Jenny Nyström's imagination, often with a horse or cat, or riding on a goat or in a sled pulled by a goat, and for many people the idea of the farm tomte still lives on, if only in the imagination and literature. |
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The use of the word {{lang|sv|tomte}} in Swedish is now somewhat ambiguous, but often when one speaks of {{lang|sv|jultomten}} (definite article) or {{lang|sv|tomten}} (definite article) one is referring to the more modern version, while if one speaks of {{lang|sv|tomtar}} (plural) or {{lang|sv|tomtarna}} (plural, definite article) one could also likely be referring to the more traditional {{lang|sv|tomtar}}. The traditional word tomte lives on in an idiom, referring to the human caretaker of a property ({{lang|sv|hustomten}}), as well as referring to someone in one's building who mysteriously does someone a favour, such as hanging up one's laundry. A person might also wish for a little {{lang|sv|hustomte}} to tidy up for them. A tomte stars in one of author Jan Brett's children's stories, ''Hedgie's Surprise''.<ref>Brett, Jan (2000). ''Hedgie's Surprise''. G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers. {{ISBN|978-0399234774}}</ref> |
The use of the word {{lang|sv|tomte}} in Swedish is now somewhat ambiguous, but often when one speaks of {{lang|sv|jultomten}} (definite article) or {{lang|sv|tomten}} (definite article) one is referring to the more modern version, while if one speaks of {{lang|sv|tomtar}} (plural) or {{lang|sv|tomtarna}} (plural, definite article) one could also likely be referring to the more traditional {{lang|sv|tomtar}}. The traditional word tomte lives on in an idiom, referring to the human caretaker of a property ({{lang|sv|hustomten}}), as well as referring to someone in one's building who mysteriously does someone a favour, such as hanging up one's laundry. A person might also wish for a little {{lang|sv|hustomte}} to tidy up for them. A tomte stars in one of author Jan Brett's children's stories, ''Hedgie's Surprise''.<ref>Brett, Jan (2000). ''Hedgie's Surprise''. G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers. {{ISBN|978-0399234774}}</ref> When adapting the mainly English-language concept of {{lang|sv|tomten}} having helpers (sometimes in a [[Santa's workshop|workshop]]), {{lang|sv|tomtenisse}} can also correspond to the [[Christmas elf]], either replacing it completely, or simply lending its name to the elf-like depictions in the case of translations. |
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Nisser/tomte often appear in [[Nordic Christmas calendar|Christmas calendar TV series]] and other modern fiction. In some versions the tomte are portrayed as very small; in others they are human-sized. The nisse usually exist hidden from humans and are often able to use [[magic (fantasy)|magic]]. |
Nisser/tomte often appear in [[Nordic Christmas calendar|Christmas calendar TV series]] and other modern fiction. In some versions the tomte are portrayed as very small; in others they are human-sized. The nisse usually exist hidden from humans and are often able to use [[magic (fantasy)|magic]]. |
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The 2018 animated series [[Hilda (TV series)|Hilda]], as well as the graphic novel series it is based on, features nisse as a species. One nisse named Tontu is a recurring character, portrayed as a small, hairy humanoid who lives unseen in the main character's home. |
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===Garden gnome=== |
===Garden gnome=== |
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The appearance traditionally ascribed to a nisse or tomte resembles that of the [[garden gnome]] figurine for outdoors, which are in turn, also called {{lang|sv|trädgårdstomte}} in Swedish, {{lang|da|havenisse}} in Danish, {{lang|no|hagenisse}} in Norwegian and {{lang|fi|puutarhatonttu}} in Finnish.{{ |
The appearance traditionally ascribed to a nisse or tomte resembles that of the [[garden gnome]] figurine for outdoors, which are in turn, also called {{lang|sv|trädgårdstomte}} in Swedish, {{lang|da|havenisse}} in Danish, {{lang|no|hagenisse}} in Norwegian and {{lang|fi|puutarhatonttu}} in Finnish.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* [[Legendary creature]] |
* [[Legendary creature]] |
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* [[Leprechaun]] (Ireland) |
* [[Leprechaun]] (Ireland) |
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* {{lang| |
* {{lang|da|[[Niß Puk|Nis Puk]]}} (in Schleswig/Southern Jutland, now divided between Denmark (Northern Schleswig) and Germany (Southern Schleswig) |
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* [[Santa Claus]] |
* [[Santa Claus]] |
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* [[Sprite (creature)|Sprite]] |
* [[Sprite (creature)|Sprite]] |
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* [[Spiriduș]] (Romania) |
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* {{lang|fi|[[Tonttu]]}} or {{lang|fi|Haltija}} (Finland) |
* {{lang|fi|[[Tonttu]]}} or {{lang|fi|Haltija}} (Finland) |
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* [[Tudigong]] |
* [[Tudigong]] |
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<ref name=aasen-gardvord>{{harvp|Aasen|1873}} ''Norsk ordbog'' s.v. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=KLhOAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA210 gardvord]".</ref> |
<ref name=aasen-gardvord>{{harvp|Aasen|1873}} ''Norsk ordbog'' s.v. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=KLhOAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA210 gardvord]".</ref> |
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<ref name=aasen-tufte>{{harvp|Aasen|1873}} ''Norsk ordbog'' s.v. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=KLhOAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA843 Tufte]". {{'}}''vætte'', ''nisse'', unseen neighbor, in the majority ''ellefolk'' (elf-folk) or {{ |
<ref name=aasen-tufte>{{harvp|Aasen|1873}} ''Norsk ordbog'' s.v. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=KLhOAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA843 Tufte]". {{'}}''vætte'', ''nisse'', unseen neighbor, in the majority ''ellefolk'' (elf-folk) or {{interlanguage link|underjordiske|no|underjordiske|lt=''underjordiske''}} (underground folk) but also (regionally) in the [[Nordland]] and [[Trondheim]] ''tuftefolk''{{'}}.</ref> |
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<ref name=brynildsen-nisse>{{harvp|Brynildsen|1927}} ''Norsk-engelsk ordbok'' s.v. "[https://archive.org/details/b29827449/page/614/mode/2up 2nisse]", '(hob)goblin'.<!--p.615, 2nd column--></ref> |
<ref name=brynildsen-nisse>{{harvp|Brynildsen|1927}} ''Norsk-engelsk ordbok'' s.v. "[https://archive.org/details/b29827449/page/614/mode/2up 2nisse]", '(hob)goblin'.<!--p.615, 2nd column--></ref> |
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<ref name=swedish-council-america>{{cite journal |title=Made in Sweden: Four Delightful Christmas Products |journal=Sweden & America |publisher=Swedish Council of America |date=Autumn 1995 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TnYOAQAAMAAJ&q=%22Tomte%22+feet+tall|page=49}}</ref> |
<ref name=swedish-council-america>{{cite journal |title=Made in Sweden: Four Delightful Christmas Products |journal=Sweden & America |publisher=Swedish Council of America |date=Autumn 1995 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TnYOAQAAMAAJ&q=%22Tomte%22+feet+tall|page=49}}</ref> |
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<ref name=arill>{{cite book |last=Arill |first=David |author-link=<!--David Arill--> |chapter=Tomten och gasten (Frändefors) |title=Tro, sed och sägen: folkminnen |publisher=Wettergren & Kerber |date=Autumn 1924 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=88TYAAAAMAAJ&q=%22Tomtarna |page=45 | |
<ref name=arill>{{cite book |last=Arill |first=David |author-link=<!-- David Arill --> |chapter=Tomten och gasten (Frändefors) |title=Tro, sed och sägen: folkminnen |publisher=Wettergren & Kerber |date=Autumn 1924 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=88TYAAAAMAAJ&q=%22Tomtarna |page=45 |language=sv}}</ref> |
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}} |
}} |
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{{refbegin}} |
{{refbegin}} |
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* {{cite book|editor-last=Aasen |editor-first=Ivar |editor-link=Ivar Aasen |title=Norsk ordbog med dansk forklaring |edition=3 |publisher=P. T. Mallings bogtrykkeri |year=1873 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KLhOAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA843 }} |
* {{cite book|editor-last=Aasen |editor-first=Ivar |editor-link=Ivar Aasen |title=Norsk ordbog med dansk forklaring |edition=3 |publisher=P. T. Mallings bogtrykkeri |year=1873 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KLhOAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA843 }} |
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*{{cite book|editor-last=Asbjørnsen |editor-first=Peter Christen |editor-link1=Peter Christen Asbjørnsen |title=Norske Folke- og Huldre-Eventyr |edition=2nd |location=Kjøbenhavn |publisher=Gyldendalske |year=1896 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vxITAAAAMAAJ}} |
*{{cite book|editor-last=Asbjørnsen |editor-first=Peter Christen |editor-link1=Peter Christen Asbjørnsen |title=Norske Folke- og Huldre-Eventyr |edition=2nd |location=Kjøbenhavn |publisher=Gyldendalske |year=1896 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vxITAAAAMAAJ}} |
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* {{cite book|last=Binding |first=Paul |author-link=<!-- Paul Binding --> |chapter=4. O. T. |title=Hans Christian Andersen: European Witness |publisher=Yale University Press |year=2014 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G4M6AwAAQBAJ&pg=PT614 |isbn=0300206151<!--, 9780300206159 -->}} |
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* |
*{{cite book|editor-last=Braekstad |editor-first=H. L.|translator-last=Braekstad |translator-first=H. L.|editor-link=<!-- H. L. Braekstad --> |others=Peter Christen Asbjørnsen (orig. ed.) |title=Round the Yule Log: Norwegian Folk and Fairy Tales |year=1881 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8nYsWIjf7s4C}} [http://urn.nb.no/URN:NBN:no-nb_digibok_2008103110005 Nasjonalbiblioteket copy] |
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⚫ | * {{cite book|last=Bringsværd |first=Tor Åge |author-link=Tor Åge Bringsværd |title=Phantoms and Fairies: From Norwegian Folklore |location=Oslo |publisher=Tanum |year=1970 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AwngAAAAMAAJ&q=nisse }} |
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*{{cite book|editor-last= |
* {{cite book|editor-last=Brynildsen|editor-first=John |editor-link=:no:John Brynildsen |title=Norsk-engelsk ordbok |location=Oslo |publisher=H. Aschehoug & co. (W. Nygaard) |year=1927 |url=https://archive.org/details/b29827449/page/1058/mode/2up }} |
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⚫ |
* {{cite book|last=Bringsværd |first=Tor Åge |author-link=Tor Åge Bringsværd |title=Phantoms and Fairies: From Norwegian Folklore |location=Oslo |
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* {{cite book|editor-last=Brynildsen|editor-first=John |editor-link=:no:John Brynildsen |title=Norsk-engelsk ordbok |location=Oslo |publisher=H. Aschehoug & co. (W. Nygaard) |year=1927 |url=https://archive.org/details/b29827449/page/1058/mode/2up }} |
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* {{cite book|editor-last=Christiansen |editor-first=Reidar |editor-link=Reidar Thoralf Christiansen |translator-last=Iversen |translator-first=Pat Shaw |translator-link=<!--Pat Shaw Iversen--> |title=Folktales of Norway |publisher=University of Chicago Press |year=2016 |orig-year=1964 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4iRCDgAAQBAJ |isbn=022637520X<!--, 9780226375205-->}} |
* {{cite book|editor-last=Christiansen |editor-first=Reidar |editor-link=Reidar Thoralf Christiansen |translator-last=Iversen |translator-first=Pat Shaw |translator-link=<!--Pat Shaw Iversen--> |title=Folktales of Norway |publisher=University of Chicago Press |year=2016 |orig-year=1964 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4iRCDgAAQBAJ |isbn=022637520X<!--, 9780226375205-->}} |
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* {{cite book|editor-last1=Falk |editor-first1=Hjalmar |editor-link1=Hjalmar Falk |editor-last2=Torp |editor-first2=Alf |editor-link2=Alf Torp |title=Etymologisk ordbog over det norske og det danske sprog |volume=2 |location=Krisitiania |publisher=H. Aschehoug (W. NyGaard) |year=1906 |orig-year=1964 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-SMRAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA13 }} |
* {{cite book|editor-last1=Falk |editor-first1=Hjalmar |editor-link1=Hjalmar Falk |editor-last2=Torp |editor-first2=Alf |editor-link2=Alf Torp |title=Etymologisk ordbog over det norske og det danske sprog |volume=2 |location=Krisitiania |publisher=H. Aschehoug (W. NyGaard) |year=1906 |orig-year=1964 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-SMRAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA13 }} |
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* {{cite journal|ref={{SfnRef|Grønvik, Oddrun|1997}}|last1=Grønvik |first1=Oddrun |author-link=Oddrun Grønvik |title=Ordet ''nisse'' o. al i dei nynorske ordsamlingane |trans-title=The Word ''nisse'' and others in the Nynorsk Word Collection |journal=Mål og Minne |volume=2 |date=1997 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cTdcAAAAMAAJ&q=%22ordet+nisse%22 |pages=149–156|language=no}} |
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* {{cite journal|ref={{SfnRef|Grønvik, |
* {{cite journal|ref={{SfnRef|Grønvik, Ottar|1997}}|last=Grønvik |first=Ottar |author-link=Ottar Grønvik |title=Nissen |journal=Mål og Minne |volume=2 |date=1997 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cTdcAAAAMAAJ&q=nisse |pages=129–148 |language=no}} |
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⚫ | * {{cite journal|last1=Knutsen |first1=Gunnar W. |author-link1=<!-- Gunnar W. Knutsen --> |last2=Riisøy |first2=Anne Irene |author-link2=<!-- Anne Irene Riisøy -->|title=Trolls and witches |journal=Arv: Nordic Yearbook of Folklore |volume=63 |date=2007 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZafYAAAAMAAJ&q=%22nisse%22 |pages=31–70}}; [https://www.academia.edu/20230170/Trolls_and_witches pdf text] via Academia.edu |
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* {{cite |
* {{cite book|last1=Kvideland |first1=Reimund |author-link1=<!-- Reimund Kvideland --> |last2=Sehmsdorf |first2=Henning K. |author-link2=<!-- Henning K. Sehmsdorf --> |chapter=V. The Invisible Folk |title=Scandinavian Folk Belief and Legend |publisher=University of Minnesota Press |year=1988 |volume=15 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_wTCSv2CGqUC&pg=PA205 |pages=205–274 |jstor=10.5749/j.ctttszpg.9 |isbn=9780816615032}} |
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⚫ | * {{cite book|last=Stokker|first=Kathleen |author-link=<!-- Kathleen Stokker (professor of Norwegian at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa) --> |title=Keeping Christmas: Yuletide Traditions in Norway and the New Land |location=St. Paul |publisher=Minnesota Historical Society Press |year=2000 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_FngAAAAMAAJ&q=nisse |isbn=0873513894<!--, 9780873513890-->}} |
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⚫ | * {{cite journal|last1=Knutsen |first1=Gunnar W. |author-link1=<!--Gunnar W. Knutsen--> |last2=Riisøy |first2=Anne Irene |author-link2=<!--Anne Irene Riisøy-->|title=Trolls and witches |journal=Arv: Nordic Yearbook of Folklore |volume=63 |date=2007 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZafYAAAAMAAJ&q=%22nisse%22 |pages=31–70}}; [https://www.academia.edu/20230170/Trolls_and_witches pdf text] via Academia.edu |
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* {{cite book|last1=Kvideland |first1=Reimund |author-link1=<!--Reimund Kvideland--> |last2=Sehmsdorf |first2=Henning K. |author-link2=<!--Henning K. Sehmsdorf--> |chapter=V. The Invisible Folk |title=Scandinavian Folk Belief and Legend |publisher=University of Minnesota Press |year=1988 |volume=15 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_wTCSv2CGqUC&pg=PA205 |pages=205–274 |jstor=10.5749/j.ctttszpg.9 |isbn=9780816615032}} |
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⚫ | * {{cite book|last=Stokker|first=Kathleen |author-link=<!--Kathleen Stokker (professor of Norwegian at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa) --> |title=Keeping Christmas: Yuletide Traditions in Norway and the New Land |location=St. Paul |publisher=Minnesota Historical Society Press |year=2000 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_FngAAAAMAAJ&q=nisse |isbn=0873513894<!--, 9780873513890-->}} |
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==External links== |
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{{Commons category multi|Nisser (Folklore)|Tomtar}} |
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* [https://runeberg.org/rydbdikt/tomten.html "Tomten"], poem in Swedish by [[Viktor Rydberg]] |
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{{Scandinavian folklore}} |
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[[Category:Swedish folklore]] |
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[[Category:Tutelary deities]] |
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[[Category:Winter solstice]] |
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[[Category:Nixies (folklore)]] |
Anisse (Danish: [ˈne̝sə], Norwegian: [ˈnɪ̂sːə]), tomte (Swedish: [ˈtɔ̂mːtɛ]), tomtenisse, or tonttu (Finnish: [ˈtontːu]) is a mythological creature from Nordic folklore today typically associated with the winter solstice and the Christmas season. 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.
The nisse is one of the most familiar creatures of Scandinavian folklore, and he has appeared in many works of Scandinavian literature. With the romanticisation and collection of folklore during the 19th century, the nisse gained popularity.
The word nisse is a pan-Scandinavian term.[3] Its current use in Norway into the 19th century is evidenced in Asbjørnsen's collection.[1][2] The Norwegian tufte is also equated to nisseortomte.[4][5]
While the term nisse in the native Norwegian is retained in Pat Shaw Iversen's English translation (1960), appended with the parenthetical remark that it is a household spirit,[6] H. L. Braekstad (1881) chose to substitute nisse with "brownie".[1][2] Brynildsen's dictionary (1927) glossed nisse as 'goblin' or 'hobgoblin'.[7]
In the English editions of the Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales the Danish word nisse has been translated as 'goblin', for example, in the tale "The Goblin at the Grocer's".[8]
Forms such as tufte have been seen as dialect. Aasen noted the variant form tuftekall to be prevalent in the Nordland and Trondheim areas of Norway,[4] and the tale『Tuftefolket på Sandflesa』published by Asbjørnsen is localized in Træna in Nordland.[a] Another synonym is tunkall ("yard fellow"[10]) also found in the north and west.[11]
Thus ostensibly tomte prevails in eastern Norway (and adjoining Sweden),[12][13] although there are caveats attached to such over-generalizations by linguist Oddrun Grønvik [no].[13][14][b] It might also be conceded that tomte is more a Swedish term than Norwegian.[15] In Scania, Halland and Blekinge the Nisse also known as goanisse (Godnisse, Goenisse≈the good Nisse).[16]
Reidar Thoralf Christiansen remarked that the "belief in the nisse is confined to the south and east" of Norway,[11] and theorized the nisse was introduced to Norway (from Denmark) in the 17th century, but there is already mention of "Nisse pugen" in a Norwegian legal tract c. 1600 or earlier, and Emil Birkeli [no] (1938) believed the introduction to be as early as 13 to 14c.[17] The Norsk Allkunnebok encyclopedia was of the view that nisse was introduced from Denmark relatively late, and that native names found in Norway such as tomte, tomtegubbe, tufte, tuftekall, gardvord, etc., date much older.[3][18]
The term nisse may be derived from Old Norse niðsi, meaning "dear little relative".[19] Another explanation is that it is a corruption of Nils, the Scandinavian form of Nicholas.[10][3] A conjecture has also been advanced that nisse might be related to the "nixie",[20][21] but this is a water sprite and the proper cognate is the nøkk, not the nisse.[22]
The tomte ("homestead man"), gardvord ("farm guardian"), and tunkall ("yard fellow") bear names that associated them with the farmstead.[10] The Finnish tonttu is also derived from the term for a place of residence and area of influence: the house lot, tontti (Finnish).[citation needed]
Norwegian gardvord is a synonym for nisse,[21][23][c] or has become conflated with it.[25] Likewise turvord is a synonym.[21]
According to Oddrun Grønvik, the nisse has a distinct connotation and is not synonymous with the haugkallorhaugebonde (from the Old Norse haugr 'mound'), although the latter has become indistinguishable with tuss, as evident from the form haugtuss.[26][d]
According to tradition, the nisse lives in the houses and barns of the farmstead, and secretly acts as their guardian.[28] If treated well, they protect the family and animals from evil and misfortune,[29] and may also aid the chores and farm work.[30] However, they are known to be short tempered, especially when offended. Once insulted, they will usually play tricks, steal items and even maim or kill livestock.[31]
The nisse/tomte was often imagined as a small, elderly man (size varies from a few inches to about half the height of an adult man), often with a full beard; dressed in the traditional farmer garb, consisting of a pull-over woolen tunic belted at the waist and knee breeches with stockings. This was still the common male dress in rural Scandinavia in the 17th century, giving an indication of when the idea of the nisse spread. However, there are also folktales where he is believed to be a shapeshifter able to take a shape far larger than an adult man, and other tales where the nisse is believed to have a single, Cyclopean eye. In modern Denmark, nisser are often seen as beardless, wearing grey and red woolens with a red cap. Since nisser are thought to be skilled in illusions and sometimes able to make themselves invisible, one was unlikely to get more than brief glimpses of him no matter what he looked like. Norwegian folklore states that he has four fingers, and sometimes with pointed ears and eyes reflecting light in the dark, like those of a cat. [32]
The Tomte's height is anywhere from 60 cm (2 ft) to no taller than 90 cm (3 ft) according to one Swedish-American source,[33] whereas the tomte (pl. tomtarna) were just 1 aln tall (analn or Swedish ell being just shy of 60 cm or 2 ft), according to one local Swedish tradition.[e][34]
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Despite his small size, nisse possess immense strength.[35] They are easily offended by carelessness, lack of proper respect, and lazy farmers.[36] As the protector of the farm and caretaker of livestock, their retributions for bad practices range from small pranks like a hard strike to the ear to more severe punishment like killing of livestock or ruining of the farm's fortune. Observance of traditions is thought to be important to the nisse, as they do not like changes in the way things are done at their farms. They are also easily offended by rudeness; farm workers swearing, urinating in the barns, or not treating the creatures well can frequently lead to a sound thrashing by the tomte/nisse. If anyone spills something on the floor in the nisse's house, it is considered proper to shout a warning to the tomte below.
One is also expected to please nisse with gifts (see Blót) – a traditional gift is a bowl of porridge on Christmas Eve. If the tomte is not given his gift, he might leave the farm or house or engage in mischief such as tying the cows' tails together in the barn, turning objects upside-down, and breaking things (like a troll). The nisse likes his porridge with a pat of butter on the top. In an often retold story,[37] a farmer put the butter underneath the porridge. When the nisse of his farmstead found that the butter was missing, he was filled with rage and killed the cow resting in the barn. But, as he thus became hungry, he went back to his porridge (ricepudding) and ate it, and so found the butter at the bottom of the bowl. Full of grief, he then hurried to search the lands to find another farmer with an identical cow, and replaced the former with the latter. In another tale a Norwegian maid decided to eat the porridge herself, and ended up severely beaten by the nisse. The being swore: "Have you eaten the porridge for the nisse, you have to dance with him!". The farmer found her nearly lifeless the morning after.
The nisse is connected to farm animals in general, but his most treasured animal is the horse.[35] Belief has it that one could see which horse was the tomte's favourite as it will be especially healthy and well taken care of. Sometimes the tomte will even braid its hair and tail. Undoing these braids without permission can mean misfortune or angering the tomte. Some stories tell how the nisse could drive people mad or bite them. The bite from a nisse is poisonous, and otherworldly healing is usually required. As the story goes, a girl who was bitten withered and died before help arrived.
An angry tomte is featured in the popular children's book by Swedish author Selma Lagerlöf, Nils Holgerssons underbara resa genom Sverige (The Wonderful Adventures of Nils). The tomte turns the naughty boy Nils into a pixie in the beginning of the book, and Nils then travels across Sweden on the back of a goose.
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The nisse or tomte was in ancient times believed to be the "soul" of the first inhabitant of the farm; he who cleared the tomt (house lot). He had his dwellings in the burial mounds on the farm, hence the now somewhat archaic Swedish names tomtenisse and tomtekarl, the Swedish and Norwegian tomtegubbe and tomtebonde ("tomte farmer"), Danish husnisse ("house nisse"), the Norwegian haugkall ("mound man"), and the Finnish tonttu-ukko (lit. "house lot man").
The nisse was not always a popular figure, particularly during and after the Christianization of Scandinavia. Like most creatures of folklore he would be seen as heathen (pre-Christian) and be demonized and connected to the Devil. Farmers believing in the house tomte could be seen as worshiping false gods or demons; in a famous 14th-century decree, Saint Birgitta warns against the worship of tompta gudhi,[37] "tomte gods" (Revelationes, book VI, ch. 78). Folklore added other negative beliefs about the tomte, such as that having a tomte on the farm meant you put the fate of your soul at risk, or that you had to perform various non-Christian rites to lure a tomte to your farm.
The belief in a nisse's tendency to bring riches to the farm by his unseen work could also be dragged into the conflicts between neighbors. If one farmer was doing far better for himself than the others, someone might say that it was because he had a nisse on the farm, doing "ungodly" work and stealing from the neighbors. These rumors could be very damaging for the farmer who found himself accused, much like accusations of witchcraft during the Inquisitions.
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The nisse shares many aspects with other Scandinavian wights such as the Swedish vättar (from the Old Norse vættr), Danish vætter, Norwegian vetterortusser. These beings are social, however, whereas the nisse is always solitary (though he is now often pictured with other nisser). Often comparable to the Latin American "Duende". Synonyms of nisse includes gårdbo ("(farm)yard-dweller"), gardvord ("yard-warden", see vörðr) in all Scandinavian languages, and god bonde ("good farmer"), gårdsrå ("yard-spirit") in Swedish and Norwegian and fjøsnisse ("barn gnome") in Norwegian. The tomte could also take a ship for his home, and was then known as a skeppstomteorskibsnisse. In Finland, the sauna has a saunatonttu. Also related is the Nis Puk,[38] which is widespread in the area of Southern Jutland/Schleswig, in the Danish-German border area.
In other European folklore, there are many beings similar to the nisse, such as the Scots and English brownie, Northumbrian English hob, West Country pixie, the German Heinzelmännchen, the Dutch kabouter or the Slavic domovoi. Usage in folklore in expressions such as Nisse god dräng ("Nisse good lad") is suggestive of Robin Goodfellow.[39]
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The tradition of nisse/tomte is also associated with Christmas (Swedish: Jultomten, Danish: Julenisserne, Norwegian: JulenissenorFinnish: Joulutonttu.[40]) The tomte is accompanied by another mythological creature: the Yule goat (Julbocken). The pair appear on Christmas Eve, knocking on the doors of people's homes, handing out presents.[41]
The nisse will deliver gifts at the door, in accordance with the modern-day tradition of the visiting Santa Claus, enters homes to hand out presents.[42] The tomte/nisse is also commonly seen with a pig, another popular Christmas symbol in Scandinavia, probably related to fertility and their role as guardians of the farmstead. It is customary to leave behind a bowl of porridge with butter for the tomte/nisse, in gratitude for the services rendered.[43]
In the 1840s the farm's nisse became the bearer of Christmas presents in Denmark, and was then called julenisse (Yule Nisse). In 1881, the Swedish magazine Ny Illustrerad Tidning published Viktor Rydberg's poem "Tomten", where the tomte is alone awake in the cold Christmas night, pondering the mysteries of life and death. This poem featured the first painting by Jenny Nyström of this traditional Swedish mythical character which she turned into the white-bearded, red-capped friendly figure associated with Christmas ever since. Shortly afterwards, and obviously influenced by the emerging Father Christmas traditions as well as the new Danish tradition, a variant of the nisse/tomte, called the jultomte in Sweden and julenisse in Norway, started bringing the Christmas presents in Sweden and Norway, instead of the traditional julbock (Yule Goat).
Gradually, commercialism has made him look more and more like the American Santa Claus, but the Swedish jultomte, the Norwegian julenisse, the Danish julemand and the Finnish joulupukki (in Finland he is still called the Yule Goat, although his animal features have disappeared) still has features and traditions that are rooted in the local culture. He doesn't live on the North Pole, but perhaps in a forest nearby, or in Denmark he lives on Greenland, and in Finland he lives in Lapland; he doesn't come down the chimney at night, but through the front door, delivering the presents directly to the children, just like the Yule Goat did; he is not overweight; and even if he nowadays sometimes rides in a sleigh drawn by reindeer, instead of just walking around with his sack, his reindeer don't fly—and in Sweden, Denmark and Norway some still put out a bowl of porridge for him on Christmas Eve. He is still often pictured on Christmas cards and house and garden decorations as the little man of Jenny Nyström's imagination, often with a horse or cat, or riding on a goat or in a sled pulled by a goat, and for many people the idea of the farm tomte still lives on, if only in the imagination and literature.
The use of the word tomte in Swedish is now somewhat ambiguous, but often when one speaks of jultomten (definite article) or tomten (definite article) one is referring to the more modern version, while if one speaks of tomtar (plural) or tomtarna (plural, definite article) one could also likely be referring to the more traditional tomtar. The traditional word tomte lives on in an idiom, referring to the human caretaker of a property (hustomten), as well as referring to someone in one's building who mysteriously does someone a favour, such as hanging up one's laundry. A person might also wish for a little hustomte to tidy up for them. A tomte stars in one of author Jan Brett's children's stories, Hedgie's Surprise.[44] When adapting the mainly English-language concept of tomten having helpers (sometimes in a workshop), tomtenisse can also correspond to the Christmas elf, either replacing it completely, or simply lending its name to the elf-like depictions in the case of translations.
Nisser/tomte often appear in Christmas calendar TV series and other modern fiction. In some versions the tomte are portrayed as very small; in others they are human-sized. The nisse usually exist hidden from humans and are often able to use magic.
The 2018 animated series Hilda, as well as the graphic novel series it is based on, features nisse as a species. One nisse named Tontu is a recurring character, portrayed as a small, hairy humanoid who lives unseen in the main character's home.
The appearance traditionally ascribed to a nisse or tomte resembles that of the garden gnome figurine for outdoors, which are in turn, also called trädgårdstomte in Swedish, havenisse in Danish, hagenisse in Norwegian and puutarhatonttu in Finnish.[citation needed]
it is argued that the current material does not give an accurate picture of their distribution in the 19th century.
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