óttavakandi

Óttavakandi is a concept that appears in some interpretations of Scandinavian folklore, particularly associated with the troll figure. The term itself is a compound of Old Norse words, roughly translating to "fear-eating" or "fear-devouring." It describes a supernatural entity, often a troll or similar creature, that feeds on or is sustained by the fear generated by its presence or actions. This fear acts as a sustenance for the óttavakandi, making it more powerful or persistent the more terror it instills.

The óttavakandi is not a distinct mythological being with a fixed form or narrative in the same way as Odin or Thor. Instead, it represents a characteristic or a type of behavior attributed to certain monstrous entities within the broader tapestry of Norse and Scandinavian mythological traditions. Encounters with such beings were often described as terrifying, leaving victims paralyzed by dread, which in turn strengthened the creature. This concept highlights the importance of courage and fortitude in the face of the unknown and the monstrous in these cultural narratives. While not always explicitly named as óttavakandi, the idea of creatures that feed on negative emotions like fear is a recurring motif in folklore across various cultures, reflecting a deep-seated human understanding of the psychological impact of fear.