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A nisfen - a noisy spirit that disturbs Norwegian households unless placated with bowls of milk and so on Date: 1879
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A nisfen - a noisy spirit that disturbs Norwegian households unless placated with bowls of milk and so on Date: 1879
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Media ID 32214856
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1879 Bowls Households Milk Norwegian Poltergeists Spirit Disturbs Paranormal
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This eerie print from 1879 captures the mischievous and noisy spirit known as a nisfen, believed to disturb Norwegian households unless appeased with offerings such as bowls of milk. The nisfen is a type of supernatural being that has long been a part of Scandinavian folklore, known for its penchant for causing chaos and disturbances in homes.
In this image, we see the ghostly figure of the nisfen looming ominously in the background, its presence palpable even through the grainy black-and-white photography of the time. Its twisted features and malevolent gaze are enough to send shivers down anyone's spine, reminding us of the power that spirits were believed to hold over everyday life in centuries past.
The tradition of placating spirits like the nisfen with offerings was taken very seriously by many Norwegians, who believed that failing to do so could result in all manner of misfortune befalling their households. Bowls of milk were often left out overnight as a way to keep these restless spirits at bay and ensure peace within the home.
As we look upon this haunting image from over a century ago, we are reminded of the enduring power that superstitions and beliefs in unseen forces have had on human society throughout history. The nisfen may be just a legend now, but its legacy lives on in stories passed down through generations.
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