Lõikuul

Lõikuul is a term originating from Estonian folklore, often described as a mischievous or sometimes malevolent spirit associated with cutting and reaping. It is particularly linked to the harvest season and is said to inhabit fields, scythes, or the stubble left after a harvest. Stories about lõikuul vary across regions, but common themes include its presence at night, its ability to cause accidental cuts to reapers, or even to bewitch them.

Some folklore suggests that the lõikuul takes the form of a shadowy figure or a ball of light. It is believed to be most active during the twilight hours or under the full moon. To protect themselves from the lõikuul, farmers and reapers would sometimes perform rituals, leave offerings, or recite protective charms. Ignoring these precautions was thought to invite misfortune, such as injury or a poor harvest.

The concept of the lõikuul can be seen as a personification of the dangers inherent in manual labor, especially during the demanding harvest period. It represents the fear of accidents, exhaustion, and the unpredictable forces of nature that farmers contended with. While primarily a figure of warning and caution, the lõikuul also reflects a deep connection between rural communities and the agricultural cycles that sustained them.