The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

TOMTEN

TOMTEN IS A VERY SMALL AND VERY OLD MAN WITH A LONG BEARD.
HE LIVES IN STABLES AND SHEDS ON THE FARMS AND HE PROTECTS
THE FARMER FROM ILLNESS AND MISFORTUNE AND GIVES THE FARMER
RICHES AND HAPPINESS. TOMTEN IS A VERY IRRITABLE MAN
AND YOU HAVE TO MAKE A FUSS WTH HIM NOW AND THEN AND ON CHRISTMAS
EVE A PLATE WITH PORRIDGE MADE WITH RICE IS PUT IN THE STABLE
SO THE LITTLE MAN MAY HAVE IT. THE SWEDISH JULTOMTEN, FATHER
CHRISTMAS, COMES FROM THIS LEGEND ABOUT TOMTEN.

Where learned: SWEDEN

Date learned: 01-21-1968