haldjas
Haldjas is an Estonian term for a female nature spirit in traditional Estonian folklore, comparable to a fairy or nymph. The word belongs to a broader Finnic concept of guardian or resident spirits and is closely related to the idea of haltija in neighboring Finnic mythologies. In many traditional accounts, a haldjas is tied to a specific place or natural feature—such as a forest, spring, hill, or tree—and is considered the guardian of that site.
In folk belief, haldjas are typically understood as benevolent beings who respond to kindness, respect, and
Haldjas belongs to the wider category of nature spirits in Baltic–Finnic folklore. The motif survives in legends,
Etymologically, haldjas traces to Finnic roots connected with guardian beings; the feminine form distinguishes it from