The Nix Travel Guide

The Nix, known as Nykurin in Faroese, is a sculpture inspired by Faroese folklore. According to legend, the Nix is a dangerous creature that lives in lakes and can transform itself into various shapes, most commonly a beautiful horse. This alluring form is used to entice people, especially children, to get close, after which the Nix drags them into the water to drown. The statue, created by local artist Pól Skarðenni, was placed in Sørvágsvatn lake in 2017.The sculpture captures the essence of this mythical being, with fluid lines and reflective surfaces that shimmer in the sunlight. The surrounding landscape enhances the experience, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the serene ambiance while contemplating the stories that have shaped the local culture. The Nix serves as a reminder of the power of Faroese storytelling and the close relationship between the islands' inhabitants and their natural environment.Local parents often invoke the legend of the Nix to caution children against the dangers of playing near deep water. The tale serves as a cautionary reminder of the hidden dangers that may lurk beneath the surface of seemingly tranquil waters. One version of the legend says that the Nix's weakness is that if someone calls its name aloud, the creature will lose all of its power and retreat.