Folketro

Folketro refers to the body of beliefs, customs, and stories that are part of the traditional culture of a community or a people. It encompasses a wide range of supernatural beings, spirits, magical practices, and explanations for natural phenomena that are passed down through generations, often orally. This form of knowledge is distinct from formal religion or scientific understanding, although it can sometimes overlap or influence them.

The content of folketro varies greatly depending on the specific culture and geographical region. Common themes include beliefs in mythical creatures like trolls, elves, and fairies, as well as the existence of ghosts, spirits of the dead, and various nature deities. Many folktales also revolve around charms, amulets, curses, and rituals intended to ward off evil, bring good luck, or influence events. Explanations for illnesses, weather patterns, and the success or failure of harvests are also frequently found within folketro.

Folketro has been studied by folklorists and anthropologists as a way to understand the worldview, values, and anxieties of past societies. While many aspects of traditional folketro have diminished in modern, industrialized societies, elements can still be observed in contemporary culture, sometimes in modified or secularized forms. The study of folketro provides insights into the collective imagination and the ways in which people have sought to make sense of the world around them.