Nis

The stories of the nis originate from Jutland and other areas near Scandinavia—though oddly, not from Sweden. They are alternately called kobolds in Germany and sometimes “named” Tomke or a variation of Nicklaus or Klas. Beyond this nomenclature, there does not seem to be a tie between the nis and stories of Saint Nicholas/Santa Klaus. Similar stories are also found in Ireland and Scotland. The nis are house sprites similar to brownies or knockers, though the knockers appear more ethereal than the nis. When a house nis is pleased, they do all manner of favors for people who live in the house. When angered, they are pests and wicked jokers. Treating a house nis well included feeding him daily, usually a porridge or soup with butter in it. [Maddie] Don’t forget the butter. For the love of god, don’t forget the butter.

Removing a displeased nis is extremely difficult and they often become bound to a family rather than a location, following the family to the next dwelling. This following is probably how they were brought to the Americas and why they are so concentrated in the Northwoods regions of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. [Charlie] The Dutch ones are WILD. Had a gang of them working the Amish in Pennsylvania a few years ago. Nasty business.

Bites of the nis are venomous. Its venom causes physical withering and death, often within 20-30 minutes.