hõljud

Hõljud is a term used in Estonian folklore and mythology to describe ethereal beings or spirits. These entities are often associated with nature, particularly forests, bodies of water, and sometimes even homes. Descriptions of hõljud vary, but they are generally depicted as elusive and often invisible or semi-transparent. They are not typically considered malevolent, but their actions can be unpredictable, sometimes helpful and other times causing minor mischief or misfortune.

The concept of hõljud is interwoven with animistic beliefs, suggesting that spirits inhabit natural elements. Encounters with hõljud are often described as fleeting glimpses or unexplained sounds. They are sometimes thought to be the spirits of ancestors or nature spirits that guard specific locations. Folklore often advises caution and respect when in areas believed to be inhabited by hõljud, suggesting that offerings or respectful behavior might appease them. The precise nature and role of hõljud can differ slightly between various regional traditions within Estonia.