Estonian mythology

Estonian mythology is based on animistic beliefs and is closely related to Finnish mythology. Some parts of Finnish epic Kalevala are believed to originate from Estonia and some events, locations and characters may have connections with Estonia as well. As with many similar mythological complexes, it is difficult to tell how much of Estonian mythology was constructed in the 19th and even early 20th century, partially by Estonians trying to create an ancient historical basis for a society with little written tradition, partially by Baltic-German literati in Estonia following Herderian lines of national romanticism.

Intriguingly, it has been suggested, by ethnologist and former president Lennart Meri among others, that a meteorite which passed dramatically over populated regions and landed on the island of Saaremaa around 3,000-4,000 years ago was a cataclysmic event that may have influenced the mythology of neighboring countries, especially those from whose vantage point a "sun" seemed to set in the east.

Estonians made offerings to local fertility and thunder gods. The Setonian ethnic group worshipped their Peko idol until modern times. After the reformation, also old Catholic saints were confused with local deities and revered as "gods".

In 19th century literates of Tartu University started to study - or, as is often argued by antrhopologists, create and construct - Estonian mythology. F.R. Faelmann and Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwald compiled, or created, the Kalevipoeg and described the following pantheon:

The supreme god is Taara. He is celebrated in sacred oak forests around Tartu. Uku is his other name. Uku's daughters are Lindu/Linda and Jutta, the queen of the birds. Uku has two sons: Kõu (Thunder) and Pikker (Lightning), who protect the people against Vanatühi, the lord of the Underworld and demons. Pikker possesses powerful musical instrument, which makes demons tremble and flee. He has a naughty daughter, Ilmatütar (Air Maiden). Vanatühi (The Devil) is depicted as giant farmer with a wife, children, farm hands and maidens. Estonian devils are usually more stupid than malevolent. Vanatühi/Vanapagan can be easily outwitted by smart people, like Crafty Hans, his farm hand. Another 'devil' is Sarvik (Horned One), Tühi's brother in law. He is the main enemy of the giant Kalevipoeg, the king of Estonians.

Estonian legendary heroes, gods and spirits

Haldjas; (the ruler) elf, fairy, protector of some land or animal and plant species
Hämarik; the goddess of the dusk
Ilmatütar; daughter of the air/world
Ilo (joy); the hostess of feasts
Jeekim; a ghost, lives in graveyards
Jutta; queen of the birds, daughter of Taara
Kalevipoeg, Kalevine; giant, mythical ancient king of Estonia
Kaval Ants (Crafty/Sly Hans); wicked farm hand who deceives his master Vanapagan, the Devil
Koerakoonlane; half animal warrior with dog snout.
Koit; God of Dawn, eternal lover of Hämarik
Kurat, Kuri, Vanakuri (the angry one); the devil
Kõu (Thunder); son of Uku, brother of Pikker
Leiger; (player) giant living in Hiiumaa island
Lapi nõid; witch of Lapland
Linda; mother of Kalevipoeg.
Maaema; the mother Earth
Maa-alune; the dwarf living under the earth
Olevipoeg; the successor of Kalevipoeg, city builder, related to St Olaf
Osmi; parallel name of Kalevine
Rõugutaja; a god, protector of the rye crops, women in labor and the city of Narva
Pikne, Pikker (the long one); thunder god
Puuk; parallel name of Tulihänd
Peko; Setonian god of fertility and brewing
Põrguneitsi; virgin of Hell
Suur Tõll - giant hero living in Saaremaa Island.
Tharapita or Taara; the Osilian god of war, related to Thor
Tulihänd or Pisuhänd (Tail of Fire); flying house elf, helps to gather and protect the wealth
Tuuslar; sorcerer living in Finland who tried to rape Linda
Udres-Kudres; serf, called "Son of the Sun", hero of folksongs
Uku - the supreme god
Vanatühi, "old empty one"
Vanapagan "Old pagan"; the devil depicted as dumb giant farmer
Vanemuine (The ancient one); the god of songs
Veteema
veehaldjas spirit of the water, the weaver of a spring

Christian saints misinterpreted as "gods"

Jüri (St George); god of agriculture
Laurits (St Lawrence); god of fire
Mart (St Martin); god of fertility
Tõnn (St Anthony); god of the crops and pigs

Estonian mythical animals

Libahunt; The werewolf
Sinilind; A magic bluebird

Estonian mythical objects

White Ship (Valge laev): The mythical ship that brings freedom or takes people away to a better land.
Hat of nails ('Küüntest kübar''): Makes the bearer (usually Vanatühi) invisible.
Mittens; kirikindad: Ordinary craft items often have protective or magic function, especially church mittens and the ones that sailors wear. They are decorated with narrow red stripes and special patterns inspired by nature and have many whispers and spells in them because the crafter used to sing while making, dyeing and knitting yarn.
Belt (kirivöö): The belt has the most ancient and magical patterns of all the craft items, red woven belts and laces have also been the best sacrifice (influenced by ancient animistic rituals). It is also an engagement and wedding gift. It is tied around parts of body that are sick of painful. The belt, when tied around the waist, makes a full circle to protect and give strength. It also has symbolic meaning about things that seem to symbolize stability, security and peace: the belt of stars, the green belt.
Sacred stones: The last ice age has left a lot of great stones (erratics) in Estonia. Many of them were considered sacred and people came to them to sacrifice silver, blood, red ribbons and coins and ask for welfare and prosperity. Often, the stones have little holes in them.
Travelling forests: When people are mean, greedy and cruel in some place, the forests will leave this place. The most stories about travelling forests are found in coastal areas of Estonia.

Estonian fairy tales

A Tale Of The Tontlawald
The Child who came from an Egg
The Cooking of Languages
Dragon of the North
The Grateful Prince
The Headless Dwarfs
Mikku & the Trees
Tiidu The Piper
The Underground Workers
Why Trees Whisper
The Young Man Who Would Have His Eyes Opened