Tales of the Tonttu

These designs and stories are inspired by Scandinavian folklore and the characters known as tomte in Sweden, nisse in Norway and Denmark, and tonttu in Finland.

Long ago in the forests of Finland there lived a little tonttu named Jussi. He watched over the farmstead protecting it, the family and their animals as long as he was treated with respect. In return, on Christmas Eve, they left him out a bowl of porridge topped with a generous knob of butter!

Long ago in Finland there lived a little tonttu named Johanna. She especially enjoyed working in her garden in the Springtime and listening to the birds singing in the branches overhead. One day Jussi was passing by her garden, and he stopped to admire all the pretty flowers. They started chatting, and as the season turned into summer they fell in love, got married, and lived happily ever after!

Long ago Thorfinn Tonttu stood at the waters’ edge looking out to sea. He often watched the longships come and go and longed to see what lay beyond the horizon. He was restless, not content to stay at home protecting the farmstead like his parents Jussi and Johanna. One day he made a decision, said farewell to his parents, joined a crew and set sail. Where will he end up? He doesn’t know, but he is dreaming of new lands to explore!

Deep in the North American woods lived a little tonttu named Gnorm. His favorite season was Fall with its colorful leaves, bright and cheerful sunflowers, and plump pumpkins. Known locally as Gnorm the Gnome, he was proud of his Scandinavian heritage, and to be a descendant of the great explorer Thorfinn Tonttu!