Väläheitajad

Väläheitajad is a term of Estonian origin that roughly translates to "fire-throwers" or "those who cast fire." It is primarily associated with historical military practices and, in some contexts, with mythological or folklore figures. Historically, the term would have referred to soldiers or units equipped with rudimentary incendiary weapons. These could include devices designed to hurl burning projectiles, such as flaming arrows or javelins, or early forms of flamethrowers that used combustible liquids. The purpose of such units was to disrupt enemy formations, destroy fortifications, or create panic through the use of fire.

In Estonian folklore and mythology, the concept of Väläheitajad might manifest as elemental spirits or beings associated with fire and destruction. These figures could be depicted as powerful entities capable of wielding immense fiery power, often in destructive or transformative roles. Such mythological interpretations would reflect a deeper cultural understanding of fire's dual nature – its capacity for both creation and devastation. The specific details and narratives surrounding these mythological figures would vary depending on regional traditions and oral histories within Estonia. The term itself evokes a sense of primal force and the destructive potential inherent in fire.