tollmúra

Tollmúra is a term originating from Icelandic folklore, referring to a type of mythical creature or spirit often associated with the night and the cold. Descriptions vary, but tollmúra are typically depicted as female beings, sometimes described as veiled or cloaked, and possess a chilling presence. They are not necessarily malevolent, but their encounters are often perceived as unsettling or foreboding.

The name itself can be loosely translated to suggest a connection with "toll" (payment, duty, or perhaps a toll booth) and "múra" (a wall, or a murmur). This has led to interpretations linking them to boundaries, thresholds, or even spirits that demand a price or whisper warnings. Some folklore suggests they might appear to travelers at crossroads or lonely places, their presence a sign of impending change or a warning to turn back.

While not as widely known as some other figures in Icelandic mythology, the tollmúra represents a specific type of supernatural entity that embodies the eerie and mysterious aspects of the natural world and the unknown. Their elusive nature and the ambiguity of their intentions contribute to their enduring presence in the realm of folklore.