Thomas the Tomte and the Reindeer
A new story from Freddie Hillberg, who has delved into his Swedish Ancestry to write this delightful story from Scandinavian Folklore.
A Tomte or Tomten, as he is known Sweden, is a little creature who normally lives around farms in the countryside, but now also lives in villages and towns. He is very industrious and will protect you, your family and animals; but, if you are unkind he will take revenge, and play all sorts of unpleasant tricks on you.
At Christmas time they will leave little gifts for the children and, in return for his care and all his work, Tomte like to be to be rewarded with a big bowl of his favourite food. Porridge!
Humans never see a Tomte, well perhaps occasionally, but they know he is there. Only animals can see them and they can speak their languages due to their magical powers.
Thomas is no exception, but one day whilst in a strange area of the dark forest Thomas suddenly loses his powers and sinks into the deep snow and his life starts to fade. Fortunately he is found by a small herd of reindeer who have never seen a Tomte of Human before but instinctively help him.
The Story Begins! And has a delightful twist in the end...
Thomas and the animal friends are beautifully illustrated by Andrew Prescott and will be instantly recognised by children everywhere.
In Denmark Tomte are called Nisse. In Norway they are called Nese and in Finland they are called Tonttu.