Tomte

A Nisse is a kind of goblin, which plays an important role in the Danish, Faroese and Norwegian tradition. It is similar to the Roman Lares familiares. The name Nisse is a derivation of the name Niels, the Danish form of Nicholas. Previously, the Nisse also lille Niels, Niels Gårdbo, Gårdbo, Gårdbukken or Puge was called.

In Sweden and Finland, there is a similar figure named Tomte or Tonttu.

The Nisse is an old man with a white beard, about the size of a 10 - year-old child and wearing a red cap.

Nits are found in traditional houses and stables. The Nisse protect the land and taking care of the pets in particular. If it is not treated well, he plays pranks or leaves the yard.

Variations

The Nisse is available in different variations.

• The most likely reasons in today's Denmark before Julenisse ( Weihnachtsnisse ). This was drawn in 1836 by the Danish history painter Constantin Hansen. Today, the Julenisse is an integral part of the Danish Christmas tradition. He helps Santa when creating the gifts and expects in return from the people that he will during the Advent season with rice pudding ( Danish " risengrød " ) supplies. The Julenisse is the only nit with a family.

• Kirkenissen occurs in several fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen. The Kirkenisse lives in the parish or in churches. It ensures that the church remains clean and beautiful.

• Gårdnissen lives in houses or barns. He lives alone and always helps people. In Jutland the Nisse is also known as Nis Puk.

• Skovnissen is a newer variation. This Nisse lives in nature and leaves mystical tracks that can not be explained directly. The Skovnisse is quite small, about 80 cm, and wearing green and brown clothes. In the Natural History Museum in Aarhus, there was an exhibition about the Skovnisse in December 2004.

• Skibsnissen is known in Germany as a hobgoblin.

• Sætternissen smuggles printing errors in books and newspapers. He does this so that they will not be discovered during proofreading.