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EntityQ1618029· pop 17· linked from 338 articles

Hiisi (; plural hiidet ) is a term in Finnic mythologies, originally denoting sacred localities and later on various types of mythological entities.

~12 min read

Encyclopedic overview

15 sections
Contents
  • Origin and etymology
  • Folklore
  • Hiisi in North Ostrobothnia and Kainuu
  • Geographical objects and names
  • Linguistic usage
  • In "Magic Songs"
  • Riddles
  • In the ''Kalevala''
  • Associated terms
  • Modern language usage
  • See also
  • Notes
  • Citations and references
  • Sources cited
  • Further reading

Hiisi (; plural hiidet ) is a term in Finnic mythologies, originally denoting sacred localities and later on various types of mythological entities.

In later, Christian-influenced folklore, they are depicted as demonic or trickster-like entities, often the autochthonous, pagan inhabitants of the land, similar in this respect to mythological giants. They are found near salient promontories, ominous crevasses, large boulders, potholes, woods, hills, and other outstanding geographical features or rough terrain.

Excerpted from Wikipedia’s “Hiisi” article, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.