räävit

Räävit is a term used in Estonian folklore and mythology. It generally refers to a type of supernatural being or spirit, often associated with the natural world. While the exact characteristics of räävit can vary across different regional traditions and interpretations, they are typically depicted as mischievous or sometimes even malevolent entities. These beings are thought to inhabit forests, swamps, or other wild places. They might be blamed for unexplained noises, lost livestock, or strange occurrences in rural areas. Some accounts suggest räävit can take on various forms, appearing as small human-like figures, animals, or even gusts of wind. The concept of räävit is part of a broader system of beliefs in Estonian folklore that explains the unpredictable and sometimes unsettling aspects of nature through the actions of unseen forces. Stories and beliefs surrounding räävit served to guide behavior and understanding of the environment for communities in historical Estonia.