Tomte Part 1

Tomte also called Nisse are a kind of House Spirit from Nordic lore. They are commonly depicted in rural farmer clothes, having a long white beard, and wearing boots and a red cap (either pointed or woven). They are usually depicted as small befitting their gnome like appearance. (Tomte does effectively mean the same thing as Gnome creature wise) though their name means “Homestead Man”. Like many household spirits they are often viewed as the spirits of the first resident of the farm (ancestor spirit), effectively being examples of ancestors becoming Tutelary deities. Tomte are shown helping the farm by doing chores and at times even stealing things, they were often mischievous and were incredibly strong for their size. On Christmas Eve it was customary to leave out a bowl of porridge for the Tomte (they especially liked having a piece of butter on top and many would grow enraged if this is neglected and would harm or kill those who ate their porridge.)

Tomte Part 2

Tomte are associated with both the Yule Goat and the Yule Pig, and are the ones who deliver gifts at Yuletide alongside these animals. The Tomte are shown to have many magical abilities such as shapeshifting as well as the ability to be invisible. In the period of Christianization Tomte were seen as heathen and devil worship and people would accuse the more succesful farmers of keeping Tomte, as this was seen as devil or false idol worship the “Tomte Gods” as they were referred to could end extremely badly for those accused of keeping a Tomte/Nisse. When angered a Tomte would fight or harm and even bite an individual, the latter being especially bad due to the venomous bite a tomte has. They are often said to live in the barn or pantry on the farm, though some say if they move with the family to the city they will live under the floorboards.

Tomte Part 3

The Tomte have become increasingly associated with Santa Claus and have unfortunately ended up morphing into Jultomte a sort of human sized Santa clone. Tomte when delivering gifts come through the front door rather than down the chimney and are often accompanied by the Yule Goat or Yule Pig. Tomte are often depicted in the modern day as child like and baby faced rather than the hairy bearded spirits they are more well known as. The Tomte (ancestors) visiting on Yule is an interesting continuation of the liminal time of Yule and when combined with the Yule Goat and Yule pig (perhaps tying into those of Freyr and Thor perhaps a lesser known deity altogether). Perhaps this is part of the reason for the Christmas Elves, perhaps it may be a bit of Freyr or the the land of Elphame in Yuletide customs, or perhaps the Tomte bled over.

Hello Wastelanders and Followers of Hyperborean Radio

If you've been following us for very long you've probably heard us speak of Aethelwulf AKA our friend Neale. Neale is a heathen artist living in South Africa, he is doing his best to emigrate before the country completely collapses. He has been blocked at every turn but still he keeps going, he has done pro bono work, designed logos for pennies on the dollar and has created works purely for the spirtual use of the people. He is an incredible guy and is also a talented Graphic Designer having designed our logo our ads and even our magazine. If you would like to support a heathen artist who has done so much for the heathen sphere under dire conditions or you are just looking for a great heathen gift for Yule please consider checking out and purchasing some of his art to support him.