fylgð

Fylgð is a concept found in Norse mythology and folklore, often described as a guardian spirit or an animal double that accompanies a person. These spirits are closely linked to an individual's fate and well-being. The fylgð can manifest in various forms, most commonly as an animal, but sometimes as a human-like figure, often a woman. The type of animal associated with a fylgð was sometimes believed to reflect the person's social status or character. For instance, a noble might be accompanied by a lion or a wolf, while a more common person might have a dog or a bird.

The fylgð was not always seen as a benevolent entity. While it served as a protector, it could also be a harbinger of misfortune or death. If a person's fylgð appeared in an unusual or distressed state, it was often interpreted as a warning of impending danger or a sign that the person's life was nearing its end. In some traditions, the fylgð was inherited, passing down through family lines. The concept of the fylgð suggests a deep connection between the spiritual and physical realms, where an individual's essence is mirrored and protected by a supernatural companion.