Fylgje
Fylgje (also fylgja, from Old Norse fylgja meaning to follow) is a guardian or following spirit in Norwegian folklore with roots in Old Norse religion. The fylgje is a spirit that accompanies a person from birth, usually appearing in animal form — a bird, fish, bear, wolf, or horse. It is normally invisible but can appear in dreams or in critical moments. The fylgje's actions reflect the fate of the person: if the fylgje is seen by others, it foretells the person's death. In Vestlandet tradition, the fylgje was particularly associated with specific families — each family had its own fylgje ani