ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Mielikki

Mielikki is a special animal who lives in the stories of Finnish people. She is like a magical fairy who protects the forest and all the animals who live there. She is very kind and gentle, and loves to help people who ask for her help.

When someone goes into the forest, they might pray to Mielikki and ask for her blessings. They might also leave offerings for her, like berries or grain, as a way of saying thank you for keeping the forest safe.

In some stories, Mielikki has a special companion named Tapio, who is the king of the forest. Together, they make sure that everything in the forest is healthy and happy.

There are lots of stories about Mielikki, and she is a very important figure in Finnish culture. People still talk about her today, and she is a reminder of the beauty and magic of nature.