Nisser (singular Nisse) are little people in Norse Folklore. They are also called Tomtar, Tomtarna, Hobs and/or Brownies.
History[]
In Norse Folklore, Nisser were almost always depicted as little men with white beards and conical hats, much like garden gnomes. They live in the houses and barns of the farmstead and secretly act as their guardians. If the Nisser are treated well, they protect the family and animals of the barn from evil and misfortune. They may also aid the chores and farm work. 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.[1]
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard[]
The Ship of the Dead[]
Hearthstone reveals that hundreds of Nisser used to live in the woods behind his mansion. But his father, Alderman, called an exterminator to get rid of them. Magnus Chase used the tunnels they made to kill Alderman who was in the form of a dragon.
Trivia[]
- In many fairy tales, Nisser has often been mistranslated as goblins.