Tradition / Region: Estonian Mythology, Finnish Mythology
Alternative names: Pisuhänd, Puuk, Tulihänd, Vedaja
Category: Spirit, Object
The Myth
The Kratt is one of Estonia’s most famous magical beings—a supernatural servant created by humans to steal wealth and carry out endless work. It was usually built from hay, old tools, sticks, household objects, or other scraps, then brought to life after its creator made a pact with the Devil by giving three drops of blood.
Once animated, the Kratt obeyed every command of its master. Its favorite task was stealing grain, livestock, butter, money, and valuables from neighboring farms and secretly delivering them to its owner. It could travel through the night sky, often appearing as a blazing streak of fire as it flew between farms carrying stolen treasure.
The Kratt could never be left without work. If it had nothing to do, it became dangerous and could turn against its own master. To destroy an unwanted Kratt, people assigned it an impossible task—such as weaving a rope from sand or building a ladder out of bread. Unable to complete the impossible command, the hay-built creature would labor endlessly until it finally burst into flames and burned itself to ashes.
People also believed that blazing fireballs or bright meteors crossing the night sky were Kratts attempting to complete impossible tasks before burning away.
A closely related belief existed in Finland. There, Kratti or Aarni was the supernatural guardian of buried treasure. Hidden riches were protected by a spirit that revealed their location only to those who made the proper offerings. On Midsummer Night, mysterious flames known as Aarni Fire were said to burn above hidden treasure pits, marking where great wealth lay beneath the earth. Those who approached correctly could claim the treasure, while the greedy or disrespectful would see it disappear again.
Whether as a tireless servant stealing wealth for its master or as the guardian of hidden riches beneath the earth, the Kratt became one of the most enduring magical beings of Estonian and Finnish folklore.
Sources
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Kratt. In Wikipedia. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kratt