Tradition: Sami mythology, Russian Mythology
Alternative Names: Luot-hozik
Category: Deer
The Myth
Luot-hozik is a female spirit and patron of reindeer herds who appears in the form of a hairy woman living in the tundra. She protects reindeer and watches over the herds that live in the northern wilderness.
According to Sami mythology, numerous spirits inhabited the land, water, and underworld. Among them were spirits considered masters of wild reindeer herds, while the Mistresses of the Reindeer, Luot-hozik, stood among the protectors of domesticated reindeer. Luot-hozik was believed to live in the tundra, walking on long legs like a human and sometimes appearing as a hairy woman.
The Sami believed that Luot-hozik protected their reindeer and prayed to her for their well-being. She was especially concerned with the herds belonging to the Lapps, or Sami people. She could be particularly displeased when reindeer were released into the wild during the summer, because this exposed them to wolves and other dangers. The Lapps therefore believed that she would protect their animals if they treated her with respect.
When reindeer were driven into the wild, prayers were offered to Luot-hozik. One such prayer asked her to take care of the reindeer and protect them from wolves and other dangers. If the reindeer had been found by autumn, the people thanked her for taking care of their herd.
Luot-hozik was also believed to protect the reindeer from people who tried to steal them. Reindeer were highly valuable possessions among the Sami, and her protection therefore extended not only to the animals themselves but also to the herds belonging to their human owners.
Besides Luot-hozik, other female spirits were believed to protect reindeer from wolves. However, Luot-hozik could not protect the animals from evil people.
Sources
“Луот-кожик (Luot-Khozhik).” New Bestiary (Bestiary.us). Accessed September 5, 2026. https://www.bestiary.us/luot-khozik