Näkki

Näkki is a water spirit or water demon in Finnish folklore, typically associated with lakes and rivers. The name näkki is related to similar beings across the Nordic region, such as the Swedish näcken and the Norwegian nøkk.

Näkki is commonly described as a shapeshifter who can take various forms, most often a handsome young man or woman, but sometimes a horse or other animal. He is best known for playing music—often a flute or fiddle—or singing to lure listeners toward the water.

In traditional tales, näkki lures people, especially those near water at dusk or night, to drown or become endangered. Some descriptions emphasize a volatile or deceptive nature, while other versions allow occasional benevolent acts, though the predominant portrayal is dangerous.

In Finnish folklore, näkki functions as a cautionary figure, warning against proximity to lakes and rivers and the risks of being drawn in by temptation or the beauty of water. Stories and songs featuring the näkki appear in regional folklore and have influenced later Finnish literature and art.

In modern times, the näkki remains a topic of scholarly study within Finnish myth and is referenced in works on Nordic folklore and its cultural impact, including literature, music, and media. It is part of a broader tradition of water spirits across northern Europe.