Lempo Finnish deity of fire and fertility.
Who is Lempo?
According to Finnish and Karelian Folklore Lempo was considered an evil spirit.
Lempo is the Finnish god/goddess of fire and sexuality of dual genders. Appearing at times as a god or goddess.
Lempo is known as a ruler of pyre, forest demons and shadow spirits. These are called PIRU, and its nickname Pääpiru denotes ‘Head of the Demons’. Lempo’s minions includes herds of mighty moose. Don’t mess with them they are extremely fierce.
Lempo’s nemesis is Lemminkainen the Finnish trickster god.
Lempo’s reputation worsened after Christianity came to Finland, she/he was at that time, represented in folklore as an unpredictable spirit, as its desire was described at times to be fantastic and hazardous. Lempo’s power could take control a person and turn them to desolation.
According to Finnish fire lore, Lempo took down the hero Väinämöinen with the aid of its two demon cohorts, Hiisi and Paha. The words “lempo” and “hiisi” are also used as very mild swear words in the Finnish language. “Piru” is a slightly stronger swear word. Many nature gods and goddesses were demonized by Christian priests over the centuries, this happened all over Europe, UK and the West.
Sources and References:
Taivaannaula: Lempo
The Kalevala Glossary
Godchecker.com Lempo
Art: uncredited
Val is a writer of enchanted tales, folklore and magic. Once chased by Vampire Pumpkins! 