Vihaisets

Vihaisets is a term that appears in some Finnish folklore and mythological contexts. It is often associated with spirits or beings believed to inhabit the natural world, particularly forests and bodies of water. These entities are sometimes described as having a dual nature, capable of both benevolent and malevolent actions towards humans.

Accounts of Vihaisets vary, with some traditions portraying them as protectors of the wilderness, while others depict them as mischievous or even dangerous beings who might lead travelers astray or cause misfortune. Their appearance is not consistently defined, with descriptions ranging from human-like figures to more abstract or elemental forms.

The concept of Vihaisets likely reflects a historical human interaction with and understanding of the natural environment, where unexplained phenomena or dangers were attributed to supernatural forces. Belief in such spirits was common in pre-Christian Finnish society and persisted in some rural areas for a considerable time, influencing local customs and superstitions. The precise etymology and origin of the term "Vihaisets" are debated among scholars of folklore and linguistics, but it is generally understood to relate to concepts of anger or wildness.