Stállo; the mischievous giant of the North

Stállo is typically described as a giant, a troll or a demon. He is portrayed as an outright greedy, cunning, evil fool.  In some stories, he appears as a clumsy shape-shifter, wearing all black iron clothing and a big sack on his back. It is said that he often comes during Yule and Midsummer (when other beings are out and about), and he'll be looking out for unknowing children and adults to capture and have for dinner. In some stories, Stállo demands clean surroundings and fresh water to drink. If the living areas are messy and he is not given water, he'll take the children of the houshold and eat them. In other stories, Stállo has a magical dog that can revive Stállo when he is being tricked and killed by the sámis. Therefore, even the dog needs to be found and killed. 

However, despite his fearsome reputation, Stállo is often outwitted by clever humans who use their wits to turn his own shortcomings against him. His greed and lack of foresight frequently lead to his downfall, making him both a fearsome adversary and a source of dark humor in Sami folklore.

In many stories, Stállo serves as a cautionary figure, embodying the perils of straying too far from the community or venturing into dangerous, uncharted territories. His character often represents greed, thievery and the dangers posed by disrespectful outsiders to Sami traditions.

Stállo’s wife Luttak

Stállo’s wife Luttak is a lesser-known but equally fascinating figure in Sami folklore. She is often portrayed as a formidable woman, sometimes complicit in Stállo’s schemes, and at other times more intelligent and resourceful than her husband. While her role varies from story to story, she typically embodies a complex mix of cunning and maternal instincts.

In some tales, Stállo’s wife plays a pivotal role in advancing the plot. For example, she might warn others of Stállo’s plans, revealing a streak of compassion or simply frustration with her husband’s antics. In other stories, she actively aids Stállo, making her a partner in his mischief. This duality adds depth to her character, making her more than just a supporting figure.

Key themes in Stállo stories

One of the recurring themes in Stállo tales is the triumph of intelligence over brute strength. While Stállo is powerful, his greed and lack of critical thinking often lead to his defeat. This theme resonates deeply with the Sami, whose survival in harsh Arctic environments historically depended on resourcefulness and clever problem-solving rather than physical might. It is also believed that the origin of Stállo (Stahla means steel in ancient sami/norse), could be the depicting of brutal encounters with vikings and early medeval people in chainmail armor, hence the description of Stállo wearing black clothing and steel, as well not speaking or understanding Sámi. 

Even though greed is present in most cultures, most indigenous people are strongly against greed and exploitation of resources. As history and modern society has shown, many westerners encourage greed, overindulgence and exploitation, just as Stállo, which could be another indicator that Stállo was from another culture. His insatiable greed and obsession with acquiring wealth, food, or power serve as a warning. These traits usually leads Stállo to his doom, teaching that balance and respect for nature are crucial. 

Stállo tales also emphasize the importance of staying within the safety of one’s community. Characters who venture too far into the wilderness or defy traditional boundaries often encounter Stállo, reinforcing the idea that harmony with one’s surroundings is essential for survival.

Modern interpretations and legacy

In Sami culture, Stállo remains a powerful symbol of the importance of turning away from behaviours and actions that leads to destruction, overconsumption and disregard for others and Nature, that threaten the delicate balance between humanity and nature. Modern interpretations often reimagine Stállo in ways that reflect current challenges faced by the Sami people, such as the loss of culture, language, traditional lands or the disregard modern industries have on their way of life. In this context, Stállo is the governments (the four that rules over Sápmi) and the industries from the western world. But with cleverness and strong will, we will overcome Stállo even in the modern days.

Or we are pretty much doomed. Hopefully our brains won't be sucked out from our skulls in the process*.

Lahoke Jåvlh jïh Buerie Orre Jaepie! 

* one of the things Stállo might do if he catches a child or a household with messy people.