Tradition / Region: Scandinavia (Norway, Iceland, wider Nordic world)
Alternate Names: Vaett, Land-vætt, Wight, Vaette-houer
Category: Nature spirit / house spirit
The Myth
In Scandinavian folklore, a vette (or vætt) is a supernatural being associated with nature, land, and human dwellings. Vættir are understood as spirits bound to specific places, such as farms, burial mounds, waterfalls, fields, or outbuildings. When connected to the land itself, they are known as Land-vættir, guardian spirits of a particular locality.
Early Scandinavian law codes reflect belief in these beings. According to Ulfliot’s law, sailors approaching land were required to remove carved figureheads from their ships so as not to frighten the Land-vættir with their gaping mouths or beaks. The Gulathing law states that Land-vættir were believed to dwell in burial mounds and waterfalls. Spirits associated specifically with burial mounds were known as Vaette-houer.
Over time, the image of the vette expanded beyond guardians of land to include spirits tied to farms and household buildings. These beings were believed to live close to humans, inhabiting barns, stables, storehouses, and homes. They were capable of working tirelessly, completing chores such as feeding livestock, tending children, sweeping floors, and carrying water. When well-disposed, they ensured the prosperity and order of the household.
However, vettir were also known for mischief. If offended or simply inclined to play tricks, they might pull blankets off sleeping people, tickle their heels with cold fingers, mix pepper or mustard into sugar bowls, paint faces, or let animals loose from their pens. Such acts could drive the victims to anger and confusion.
Vettir were typically described as small, stout beings with long gray beards, deep-set eyes, round bellies, thin legs, and rough, low voices. They wore old-fashioned peasant clothing, sometimes red jackets and red stockings, and were often said to walk with birch sticks. Like similar household spirits elsewhere in Europe, they disliked being given clothing openly, though some traditions say they would accept garments if left quietly in a hidden place.
In a broader sense, the word vættir could refer to supernatural beings in general. It was sometimes used as a collective term encompassing elves, dwarves, trolls, giants, and even the gods themselves.
Through these traditions, vettir are remembered as ever-present spirits of place—guardians, workers, tricksters, and unseen neighbors who shared the landscape and daily life of the Scandinavian world.
Interpretive Lenses
Religious Readings
Philosophical Readings
Psychological Readings
Esoteric Deep Dive
- Hermetic Deep Dive