Rõmsad

Rõmsad is a term used in Estonian folklore and mythology. It generally refers to a type of mischievous or sometimes malevolent spirit or creature that inhabits forests and other wild places. These beings are often depicted as having a close connection to nature and can be either helpful or harmful depending on their disposition and the actions of those who encounter them.

Folklore surrounding rõmsad often describes them as shape-shifters, capable of appearing in various forms, including animalistic or human-like appearances. They are sometimes associated with specific natural phenomena, such as storms or unusual sounds heard in the woods. Encounters with rõmsad were often seen as a warning or a test, and stories frequently describe how people could appease or ward them off through specific rituals or offerings.

The exact nature and characteristics of rõmsad can vary significantly between different regions and individual tales within Estonian folklore. Some accounts portray them as playful tricksters, while others emphasize their more dangerous and unpredictable qualities. They are a recurring motif in discussions of traditional Estonian beliefs about the supernatural world and the spirits believed to inhabit the natural environment.