The Sjörå [Swedish mythology]
In Swedish folktales, the Rå are a group of spirits associated with a particular habitat, which they protect and rule. The Bergrå, for example, rules supreme over the mountains whereas the Skogsrå is a forest spirit and the Gruvrå inhabits mine tunnels. Though their appearances aren’t set in stone, generally they can appear as humans or human-like beings but with some supernatural characteristics, such as a back that is hollow like a through or the tail of a fox.
Among them is the Sjörå, the water spirit. They usually inhabit lakes or pools, but some particularly powerful Sjörå rule over entire lake systems that can cover huge areas of land. A Sjörå resembles an exceptionally beautiful human woman with long, usually greenish hair. These beings are not malicious, but they can be dangerous nonetheless. Those who disrespect or insult the spirit often experience some misfortune which leads to a death by drowning. Then they become food for the fish that live in the Sjörå’s lake. But on the other hand, a fisher who pays tribute to the local lake spirit – by throwing a handful of coins in the water – might get rewarded with an exceptional catch. If a Sjörå likes the offering someone gives her, she may also warn them about bad weather and incoming storms. Sjörå are known to herd strange, cattle-like creatures that somewhat resemble cows. Very rarely, these creatures can be seen from a distance, but if someone approaches they will quickly retreat into the water where they transform into pikes. Therefore, someone who catches an abnormally large pike fish in a Swedish lake should return it to the water immediately, lest they attract the wrath of the Sjörå.
Another aquatic spirit from Swedish folklore is the Näcken, a malevolent creature that is related to the Dutch Nikker, the Danish Nøkken and the German Nixe. Näcken and Sjörå, however, despise each other and will never live in the same body of water.
Sources:
Lecouteux, C., 2016, Encyclopedia of Norse and Germanic Folklore, Mythology, and Magic, 329 pp.
Kvideland, R. and Sehmsdorf, H. K., 1988, Scandinavian Folk Belief and Legend, Norwegian University Press, 429 pp.
Egerkrans, J., 2013, Nordiska Väsen, B.Wahlströms, 126 pp.
(image source: Johan Egerkrans)
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