ilmakéhan

Ilmakéhan is a term of Finnish origin that translates literally to "air body" or "air being." It is a concept that appears in some interpretations of Finnish folklore and mythology, particularly in relation to spirits or elemental beings associated with the air. While not a widely recognized or standardized figure in the same way as, for example, a troll or a gnome, ilmakéhan can be understood as a general term for any ethereal entity that inhabits or controls the air.

These beings are often depicted as invisible or semi-visible, their presence hinted at through atmospheric phenomena. They might be associated with wind, breezes, storms, or the general feeling of the atmosphere. In some narratives, they could be benevolent, bringing favorable winds for sailing or clearing skies. In others, they might be more capricious or even malevolent, causing sudden gusts, unpredictable weather, or unsettling atmospheric disturbances.

The concept of ilmakéhan is often intertwined with broader animistic beliefs where natural elements are imbued with spirits or life forces. Therefore, it represents a part of a worldview that sees the natural world, including the air, as alive and populated by various forms of existence beyond human perception. It is a reminder of the unseen forces that shape our environment and contribute to the mystique of the natural world.