Tradition / Region: Estonian Mythology
Alternative names: Forest Mother
Category: Forest dweller
The Myth
Metsaema, the Forest Mother, is the ruling spirit and guardian of the forest. She watches over the woodland and governs its animals, birds, trees, and berries.
In some traditions, she is also connected with fertility and serves as a midwife.
Wild animals such as bears, wolves, and snakes are closely associated with her. Unlike many neighboring traditions, where the guardian of the forest is male, Estonian mythology most often portrays the spirits of the forest as female, though both male and female forest spirits exist.
Sources
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Metsaema. In Wikipedia. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metsaema