tõmmand

Tõmmand is a term used in Estonian folklore and mythology. It generally refers to a type of supernatural being, often associated with misfortune or the uncanny. Descriptions of tõmmand vary across different regions and oral traditions. Some accounts describe them as shadowy figures, while others depict them as more human-like in form but with peculiar characteristics. They are frequently linked to places of isolation or where unusual events have occurred.

The influence of a tõmmand is typically considered negative. Encounters with a tõmmand were thought to bring bad luck, illness, or other forms of distress to individuals or communities. Folklore often advises caution when in areas where a tõmmand is believed to reside. There is no single definitive origin story for the tõmmand, and their nature is often left ambiguous, contributing to their mystique in Estonian cultural narratives. Their presence serves as a reminder of the unseen forces and potential dangers that were believed to be present in the natural world.