Tradition / Region: Estonian Mythology
Alternative names: Vanapagan, Old Devil, Old Empty One
Category: Cave dweller, Giant
The Myth
Vanatühi is a gigantic supernatural being who lives in the underworld and is described as a great farmer. He is more foolish than malicious and often becomes the victim of tricks played by humans and other supernatural beings. He is sometimes depicted wearing a hat made from fingernails that gives him the power to become invisible.
In Estonian folktales, Vanatühi appears as the great ogre who is repeatedly outwitted by his clever servant Kaval Ants, or Crafty Hans. Although Vanatühi possesses enormous strength and supernatural powers, his stupidity allows Kaval Ants to deceive him and escape from difficult situations.
In one tale, Vanatühi steals the musical instrument belonging to Pikne, the god of lightning. Pikne’s instrument is an object of supernatural power, and Vanatühi attempts to keep it for himself. The story follows the wider European tradition of tales in which an ogre steals the musical instrument of a thunder god.
Vanatühi is also the greatest enemy of the giant Suur Tõll of the island of Saaremaa. Their forces fight against one another in a great conflict, and during one of their battles Vanatühi’s forces manage to decapitate Tõll.
In some stories, Vanatühi possesses a remarkable hat made from fingernails. When he places the küüntest kübar upon his head, he becomes invisible, allowing the giant to move unseen despite his enormous size.
Sources
“Vanapagan.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanapagan