Door  10

The Fjøsnisse

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Fjøsnissen (fjøs = barn) is a figure that is several thousand years old. In the chaotic period until the year 500, the nisses established themselves throughout Europe, Russia and even in Siberia. The nisses are not very interested in historical writing (or they keep their sources deliberately hidden), so we do not have much evidence. It is mentioned in a text from 1580 that the nisses lived in a classless society for over 1000 years. They were neither poor nor wealthy, and nobody was more worthy than others except their nisse-elected king.

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We assume that the Nordic nisses were closely linked to trees and forests, but after some time they also moved into farms ,and dressed the same as he peasants; in knickers, wooden clogs, uncoloured holmespun clothes and red top hats. The fjøsnisse is often described as a very small man with a wrinkled old man's face, and long gray or white beard. He was a tough guy and had the strength of 4 horses, so he was good help at the farm. The nisse took good care of all the animals (especially the horse) if he was treated well.

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The Fjøsnisse had nothing to do with Jul (Christmas) at all in the old days, but belonged to the farm life and was taken into account in everyday life. As Julbukken and Lussi, and the Norse folklore vanished from peoples culture, the fjøsnisse took over several of their duties, and received good food and drinks by the humans on Jul Eve in return.

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The nisses is also known for having magical powers, and can be both moody and unpredictable, so they must be well groomed. They can make pranks and mischief, and harm both humans and animals if they are not treated well. In many places, the Jul dinner table is not cleared after the meal is done so that  the fjøsnisses can come and help themselves. They are usually invisible, but some claim that they have seen a fjøsnisse or two.

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Even today, it is a tradition to please the fjøsnisses (and the kids). A couple of years ago, 33% of all Norwegians said that they every Christmas Eve puts a bowl of porridge outside so that the nisses gets filled and satisfied.