A personal guardian spirit that follows the individual and portends death.
The fylgja was a personal guardian spirit in Old Norse belief inseparably bound to an individual from birth to death. It often took animal form reflecting the owner's character and could be perceived by clairvoyant individuals in dreams or visions.
To see one's own fylgja was an omen of imminent death. When a person died the fylgja passed to a close relative, typically the person who inherited social responsibility and spiritual continuity.
Attestations
- Helgakviða Hundingsbana I 53
- Depicts fylgjur as valkyries bound to heroes.