Finfolk, or Finnfolk, are powerful, malevolent sea sorcerers from Orkney folklore, shapeshifters inhabiting underwater realms like Finfolkaheem, known for kidnapping humans, controlling storms, and their amphibious nature, residing in underwater cities in winter and a magical island (Hildaland) in summer, often depicted as cruel figures contrasted with more alluring mermaids.
Key Characteristics:
- Sorcerers & Shapeshifters: Masters of sea magic, able to control storms and transform their forms.
- Amphibious: Can live comfortably in both the deep sea and on land, unlike some other merfolk.
- Home: Dwell in beautiful underwater cities (Finfolkaheem) and a magical island paradise (Hildaland/Eynhallow).
- Appearance: Scaly, with fins, webbed hands/feet, and gills, but can take human form to lure people.
- Behavior: Known for raiding shores to capture humans as spouses, often bringing misery to human partners.
- Divisions: Consist of Finmen (males) and Finwives (females).
Folklore & Stories:
- They are considered dangerous rivals to islanders, often portrayed as enemies.
- Marriage to a Finman would transform a human woman into a haggard sea witch over time.
- Their underwater cities are described as magnificent, made of coral and crystal, adorned with pearls and elements of the Northern Lights.
In essence, Finfolk are darker, more sinister counterparts to the romanticized mermaid, deeply woven into the lore of Scotland's northern islands.