Külggrupp

Külggrupp is a concept within Estonian folklore and mythology. It generally refers to a group of beings or spirits believed to inhabit the natural world, often associated with specific locations such as forests, bodies of water, or even individual trees. These entities are not typically depicted as malevolent but rather as possessing a powerful, often unpredictable, influence over their domain.

The exact nature and attributes of a külggrupp can vary significantly depending on the region and specific folklore tradition. Some descriptions portray them as shapeshifters, able to appear in various forms, while others see them as more ethereal spirits. They are often believed to be responsible for the well-being of the natural environment, and interactions with them could bring good fortune or misfortune, depending on how they were approached or appeased.

Offerings or acts of respect were sometimes made to appease a külggrupp and ensure a bountiful harvest or safe passage through their territory. Legends often recount stories of individuals encountering these beings, sometimes receiving aid or facing challenges. The concept of the külggrupp underscores a historical reverence for and connection to nature deeply embedded in Estonian cultural heritage, reflecting a worldview where the natural world was seen as alive and inhabited by powerful, unseen forces.