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Mystery IncAuthor: Shane L. Waters, Joshua Waters, Kim Morrow
Unlock the unknown with the gang on the Mystery Inc Podcastyour go-to source for real-life mysteries that defy explanation. Hop into our Mystery Machine Tesla as we hit the road, diving deep into the enigmas that leave even the skeptics questioning reality. From haunted hideaways to unsolved crimes, each episode is a riveting journey through the baffling and the bizarre.The mystery is out there; are you in? Language: en Genres: Comedy, True Crime Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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The Tomte: Scandinavian Spirits That Came Before Santa
Episode 150
Tuesday, 30 December, 2025
Long before Santa Claus squeezed down chimneys with bags of presents, Scandinavian families knew something else watched over their homes during the darkest nights of winter—something small, ancient, and very particular about its porridge.The MysteryIn the folklore of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland, the Tomte (or Nisse, depending on where you're from) has been guarding homesteads for centuries. These diminutive spirits—typically described as elderly men the size of young children with long white beards and red caps—were believed to protect families, tend to livestock, and bring abundance to farms that earned their respect.But the Tomte's help came with conditions. They demanded cleanliness, proper treatment of animals, and one non-negotiable offering: a bowl of Christmas porridge with butter on top, left out on Yule. Forget the butter? The consequences could be severe—from mischievous pranks like tying cows' tails together to outright catastrophe for the farm's fortune.What We ExploreJosh Waters takes Shane deep into the world of these fascinating household spirits, exploring their origins in pre-Christian Norse tradition and their surprising connection to modern Christmas customs. You'll discover why the Tomte is considered an ancestral guardian, what happens when you hide the butter under the porridge (spoiler: don't), and how these ancient spirits evolved into the gift-giving Jultomte and Julenisse we recognize today.Plus: An extended conversation about the brothers' favorite Christmas treats and Josh's meticulous eating rituals that have to be heard to be believed.Sources & Further ReadingWikipedia: Nisse (folklore) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nisse_(folklore)Ingebretsen's Nordic Marketplace: Legend of the Nisse and Tomte - https://ingebretsens-blog.com/legend-of-the-nisse-and-tomte/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mystery-inc/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
