Sauna elf

I learned the legend about the sauna tonttu — the sauna elf — from Mauri from Finland, with whom I corresponded while researching the book.

This elf,  a little old bearded guy,  lives below the sauna benches and protects it. You’re supposed to leave some wood burning for the sauna elf, who also needs his share. He gets very angry if bathers don’t behave themselves — they are too noisy or throw too much water, for example. Then he makes the sauna less enjoyable and, in extreme cases, will burn the sauna down and move elsewhere.
                              ~ (Chapter 4: How to Take a Sauna)

Lore says that the elf, male or female, dresses in grayish brown to match the environment. But that few people can see elves — only if the elf wishes.
   

Nikki