The word nisse is a pan-Scandinavian term. Its modern usage in Norway into the 19th century is evidenced in Asbjørnsen's collection. The … See more

For the various benefits the nisse provided for his host family (which will be elaborated below under § As helpers), the family was expected … See more

The nisse's irritability and vindictiveness especially at being insulted has already been discussed. And its wrath cannot be taken lightly due to … See more

The story of propitiating a household deity for boons in Iceland occurs in the "Story of Þorvaldr Koðránsson the Far-Travelled" (Þorvalds þættur … See more

The Norwegian nisse was no bigger than a child, dressed in gray, wearing a red, pointy hat (pikhue = pikkelhue; a hue is a soft brimless hat) according to Faye.
In Denmark also, … See more

According to tradition, the Norwegian and Danish nisse lives the barns of the farmstead; in Denmark, it is said the spirit starts out living in the church at first, but can be coaxed into … See more

Any of the various household spirits across the world can be brought to comparison as a comparison to the nisse (cf. § See also). In … See more