Creature Feature Friday: The Tomten, a Temperamental Christmas Gnome

Have you ever heard of the Tomten? It may be an important folklore figure to know since legend says every home has a Tomten…

A Scandinavian version of a house elf, Tomten are gnome-like creatures that watch unseen over children and animals, protecting homes and farms from evil and misfortune. Tomten are thought to be the manifestation of the soul of a household, tied to the spirit of the home’s original owner. Usually dressed in a red hat with a long white beard, Tomten may even help with chores, and only require a little respect from the residents of the homes they protect.

But don’t let the Tomten’s protective role or diminutive stature fool you: they pack a big punch if they do not receive the respect they desire! Once their tempers turn, Tomten are known to kill the farm animals they are supposed to protect, and play nasty tricks on homeowners, including hiding important objects, breaking things, curdling milk, and tying shoelaces and cow tails together.

Even more frightening, there are some tales of Tomten driving residents to insanity by biting them - bites that are poisonous and can eventually lead to death!

Illustration by Harald Wiburg via Daily Scandinavian.

If homeowners do not wish to incur the wrath of the Tomten, it is vital that they leave a gift of food out for their house gnome on Christmas Eve. But instead than milk and cookies, Tomten seem to be partial to porridge and butter.

What kind of mood is your Tomten in tonight… will you rest peacefully or sleep with one eye open?!

For more Christmas legends, check out Creature Feature Friday: Belsnickel, the Cantankerous Christmas Gift-Bringer, Creature Feature Friday: Krampus the Christmas Demon, and Good and Evil Christmas Legends from Around the World!