væsner

Væsner is a Nordic term used in Danish and Norwegian to refer to beings or creatures. In Danish it is a common plural form of væsen, which means a being or entity; in Norwegian the closest equivalent plural is vesener. The word væsner denotes multiple beings or creatures and can apply to both living beings and non-human entities.

Etymology and scope: The word stems from older Norse and Proto-Germanic roots, with a core sense of “being,” “presence,” or essence. Over time, væsner has come to cover a broad range of beings in folklore, fantasy, and everyday speech. In contemporary Nordic literature and media, væsner can describe ghosts, trolls, fairies, monsters, and other creatures, as well as imagined alien beings in science fiction.

Contexts and usage: In folklore and myth, væsner are often presented as autonomous agents with distinct temperaments and powers. In everyday language, a person may be described as et væsen, meaning a living being or person, as in “he is a kind being.” In philosophical or theological discussions, væsen can denote the ontological status or essence of a thing, while væsner emphasizes concrete instances of beings.

See also: Related terms include væsen (singular) and vesener (Norwegian plural). The concept remains common in folklore studies, fantasy fiction, and translations of mythological texts, reflecting the Nordic emphasis on living beings and their imagined forms.