The Tomte — Protective beings in the everyday lives of the Vikings

In the folklore of the Vikings and the Nordic peoples, the tomte (or nisse in Danish/Norwegian) played an important role in everyday life. These little creatures, similar to gnomes, lived on farms and in homes, and their main task was to protect the farm, the animals and the family. If you showed respect and care, the tomte could bring prosperity, wealth and security, but if they were angered, accidents could occur.

The tomtes were often small, hairy, and dressed in gray or red, with beards and stern but fair personalities. They were connected to the rhythm of agriculture and the order of the house, and were believed to punish lazy or disrespectful farmhands by hiding things, scaring animals, or causing accidents.

Rituals and everyday practices

Vikings and Nordic farmers kept the tomtes happy by offering small offerings, often in the form of food, beer or porridge, which were placed in the corner of the farm or by the stove of the house. During holidays such as Christmas and Midwinter, it was common to leave extra food for the farm tomte, as part of the gratitude and to ensure a successful harvest and safety in the home.

Stories about tomtes show how folk beliefs and everyday life were closely linked. Honoring these beings was a way of showing respect for both nature and the forces that could affect the prosperity of the farm. Even today, the tradition lives on in the Nordic countries, where expressions such as “the tomtes in the attic” and the Christmas porridge love for tomtes still recall old rituals.

Tomtes in today's Nordic culture

Tomtes have left a strong mark on Nordic heritage and popular culture. They appear in fairy tales, children's books, films and Christmas traditions, and serve as symbols of respect, care and protection of home and family. These stories show that the everyday folk beliefs of the Vikings still live on, both in culture and in traditions that we still celebrate today.