Varlar

Varlar are a type of ghost or revenant found in Scandinavian folklore. They are generally depicted as the restless spirits of individuals who have died in an untimely or violent manner, or who have unfinished business in the mortal world. Unlike some other spectral beings, Varlar are often believed to retain a degree of physical substance, sometimes appearing as bloated or decaying corpses.

The characteristics of a Varl can vary between different regional tales. Some stories describe them as malevolent entities that haunt their former homes or places of death, seeking to cause harm to the living. They might manifest as terrifying apparitions, emit unsettling sounds, or even physically attack people. Other traditions suggest that Varlar are more passive, their presence indicated by a chilling atmosphere or unexplained occurrences.

The concept of the Varl is intertwined with beliefs about the afterlife and the consequences of a life lived poorly. It was thought that certain actions during life, such as being a cruel person or committing a grave sin, could lead to becoming a Varl after death. In some narratives, Varlar are also associated with the concept of the "draugr," a similar undead creature from Norse mythology, suggesting a shared cultural root. Folklore often provided methods for warding off or laying a Varl to rest, typically involving rituals performed by priests or wise individuals.