fylgihættir

Fylgihættir, a term from Old Norse mythology, refers to a guardian spirit or familiar that is often associated with a person or a family. These beings were believed to be closely linked to their human counterparts, sharing their fate and often appearing in animal form. The fylgja was thought to be a manifestation of a person's destiny, luck, or essence, and its well-being was intrinsically tied to that of its owner.

The appearance of a fylgja could vary, though it was commonly depicted as an animal, such as a dog, horse, sow, or bird. In some instances, it might take the form of a female spirit, resembling a valkyrie or a disir. The fylgja was not necessarily benevolent; it could also represent a person's shadow self or darker impulses. Its presence was sometimes seen as a sign of good fortune or a warning of impending danger.

Belief in fylgihættir was widespread in Norse and Germanic societies. They were often inherited through bloodlines, with a fylgja potentially accompanying generations of the same family. Seeing one's own fylgja was considered significant, often portending a major life event or the approach of death. The concept of the fylgja highlights the interconnectedness between individuals, their fate, and the spiritual world in ancient Norse beliefs.