Nissestyrelsen's Library

The Nissestyrelsen library is a vital resource for all Danish and European researchers who want to research not just Nisse, but many different species of fairy tale creatures

tired Nisse sleeps in the
												library after
												pulling pranks on academics all day

The Nissestyrelsen library has all modern academic books about Nisse, as well as historically important special collections and a wide range of non-academic literary works about Nisse and related species.

Most popular books in our general collections

Many of these books are available for purchase, we have included the links below if you would like to purchase a copy for your own collection

Nisse Science: Myths and Legends Explore the rich traditions of pixie mythology, from the fabled origins of the nisser to the legendary figures who shaped their culture.

Pixie Art! Delve into the intricate world of pixie craftsmanship, where every detail tells a story and every creation is steeped in tradition.

Nisser in the Garden: Living Together with Respect Learn how to create a harmonious environment for both nisser and humans, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

Nisse-Human Relations - a Social Science Study A comprehensive study of the complex history of nisser and humans, highlighting key moments that defined their interactions.

Nisse Joke Under the Moon Follow the quirky tales of nisse' pranks under the moonlight, where every night is an opportunity for mischief and merriment.

Nisse' Herbal Remedies Uncover the ancient nisse wisdom in herbal medicine, with remedies that have been passed down through generations.

Guide to Nisseloven: The Law of Nisse (English Edition)
cover to the book A guide to the Danish NisseLov with legal commentary, from the late 19th century to the mid-twentieth with a number of cases, examples and historical incidents in which the various points of law were concerned. Including important historical information about the establishment of the Danish Nissestyrelsen, a sub-ministry of the Danish government dedicated to handling questions of law and governance concerning Nisse and their work in Danish society.


The Nisse Book
cover to the Nisse book A delightful children's book about a Danish farm family and the Nisse that brings them luck and takes good care of them. Nisser are small invisible people of Danish (and Norwegian) folktales, known for their hard work and iconic red hats. However, if they don't receive their yearly wage of a bowl of Christmas porridge they become very angry and play tricks on their human families. This collection of charming stories by Albert Jørgesen was first published in Danish as "Nissebogen" in 1935. The text of this English translation by Anne Ipsen is faithful to the original and includes the numerous original ink drawings by Louis Moe, famous for his imaginative illustrations of many classical Christmas books for children.


Gnomes
cover to Gnomes book An updated and revised edition of the New York Times bestseller Gnomes, the beloved illustrated survey of gnome life, history, and lore, which has sold astronomically since its original publication in 1977.
Introduction by Brian Froud, conceptual designer of the Jim Henson films The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth


The Whisper of the Woods: Nisse Folklore Engage in enchanting folk tales and legends that bring to life the spirit of the forest and the wisdom of its nisser inhabitants.

Nisse Fashion Through the Ages A colorful exploration of Nisse fashion that reveals how styles reflect their cultural identity and values ​​over time.

Naughty Nisse

cover til Naughty Nisse bog What is a Nisse? Well, they're helpful little spirits that look after families around Christmas time.
They live high in the mountains, deep in forests, hidden away in caves or tucked away on farms. During the Christmas holidays, you may even find one in your home. Most often they're just there to make sure you're having a nice Christmas but every now and then, there may be one that acts up and causes a little more trouble than you'd want... You may find yourself stuck with a naughty Nisse!<


Nisse and Crafting

Amigurumi Gnomes: 24 Crochet Patterns for Every Season engelsk bog
cover of Amigurumi Gnomes

Make the happiest amigurumi gnomes! Gnomes make a perfect project all year round, from the happy holiday season and the splendor of spring to the bright summer days and the coziness of fall. Amigurumi Gnomes will surprise you with 24 colorful characters, including the Santa and Halloween Gnomes, the Strawberry and Lemon Gnomes, the Bunny and Valentine Gnomes and the Tulip and Bellflower Gnomes.


Nisse outside Danmark

Nisse: The Norwegian nisse, its amazing life and history book by Frid Ingulstad
cover to Nisse: The Norwegian nisse, its amazing life and history Information as to the Norwegian lifestyles of Nisse. Slightly different, less civilized as befits Norway.





The Tomten book by Astrid Lindgren
cover to The Tomten This classic story of the Tomten’s nocturnal visits to all of the residents of wintry farm has been reminding children of the promise of spring for decades.

The oldest and rarest books in our rare book collections

Access to these books is granted upon request at the discretion of the special librarian

The Nisse Codex
author: elder Thistlebeard year: 1475
This foundational text is considered the first comprehensive guide to Nisse culture, encompassing folklore, customs, and early legal frameworks. Its age and meticulous illustrations make it a cornerstone of Nisse studies.

Nisse Caves and Forests - A Travel Guide to the Underworld
author: H.C Andersen year: 1835
portrait of H.C. Andersen Because of some of the disturbing and dangerous scenes in the book, it was sold separately from Andersen's other travelogues, and was not very popular. It had only one printing and was ignored by most Andersen scholars in recent years.

 

 

Memories of Autumn
author: Rigmor Truldatter year: 1898
Rigmor Truldatter's only book to contain her essay "The undisciplined Nisse will die of its own nature", originally published in Jyllands Posten as part of their anti-Nisse campaign. It also holds such seminal essays as A Nisse Must Be Governed! Which was of course one of the sources for the establishment of the Nissestyrelsen, written in 1895 the year before the agency was founded.

Building Down - in the Depths of Nisse Architecture
Author: Hans von Andorf year: 1590
This book explores ancient nisse architectural techniques, featuring intricate drawings and descriptions of structures that blend with nature, serving as an invaluable reference for modern architects

Illustrated Nisse-Visebog
Author: Edgar Collin and C. Malmquift year: 1852
photo of edgar collin, signed An illustrated guidebook to collected nisse wisdom, compiled by the Danish author Edgar Collin and an otherwise unknown nisse collaborator, the perhaps pseudonomyne C. Malmquift