tõltus

Tõltus is a term originating from Estonian folklore and mythology. It generally refers to a type of malevolent spirit or goblin. These beings are often depicted as shapeshifters, capable of taking on various forms, including human and animal. Their primary motivation is usually to cause mischief or harm to humans and livestock.

Folklore describes tõltus as living in isolated or wild places such as forests, swamps, or sometimes abandoned dwellings. They are often associated with dark magic and the ability to lure people astray, leading them into dangerous situations or causing them to lose their way. Some tales suggest that tõltus might also steal valuable items or even milk from cows. Their appearance can vary widely, with some descriptions portraying them as small and grotesque, while others suggest they can appear as attractive humans to deceive their victims.

Belief in tõltus was common in rural Estonian communities, serving as a cautionary figure in stories told to children to warn them against straying too far from home or interacting with unknown entities. Rituals or amulets were sometimes employed to ward off their influence. The concept of the tõltus reflects a broader tradition in Baltic and Finno-Ugric folklore of spirits inhabiting the natural world and interacting with the human realm, often with unpredictable and sometimes dangerous consequences.