The nissen are the most popular domestic spirits of Sweden. These benign beings watch over livestock and horses. The smooth running of the farm is attributed to them.
Sometimes the nissen transform into soldiers who can fight with neighboring nissen to defend their owner.
They are modest beings: they ask little in return for their favors. They only require that the stable and the house be kept clean... and some small gift at Christmas, such as a little tobacco. The nissen rest on Sundays, and for amusement they dance by the light of the moon.