The Myling: Nordic Ghosts
It’s time for another paranormal post! If you’d like to see other supernatural creatures I’ve researched, check out my previous posts here.
This time we’re looking at the Myling, a ghostly figure from Nordic folklore and arguably one of the scariest. For centuries, Norse Christian laws harshly punished women for having children outside of wedlock. These harsh measures often led to desperate and tragic outcomes. This societal cruelty gave rise to the legend of the Myling.
Mylings are the restless spirits of children murdered by their mothers to avoid punishment. As they wander the Earth singing at night, they try to find someone who will properly bury them on hallowed ground. They are said to appear as pale, ghostly children. These spirits are most often encountered in forests, near streams, or under floorboards where their bodies were abandoned. Their cries are haunting and hard to ignore, pulling in anyone who hears them.
Some stories claim they will chase down those wandering at night to jump on their backs. They supposedly grow heavier the longer they cling to their chosen victim, making it quite challenging to reach their ultimate resting place. If the task isn’t completed, the Myling flies into a rage and kills their victim. In some stories, they will simply ask for a name, and if they receive it, they will be released from their haunting.
Though the legend of the Myling comes from a different time, it’s a reminder of the consequences of denying people autonomy over their own bodies. This issue remains all too real today. Had you heard of the Myling before? If you were in the would at night, how would you react to hearing their spooky songs? Let me know which paranormal creature you’d like me to cover next!
Until next time,
Sarah