Äkräs
| Äkräs | |
|---|---|
Creator of Peas, Beans, Rutabagas, Cabbages, Flax and Hemp | |
| Other names | Kainuu: Pellon Äkräs Karelia: Pyh' Äkrässie, Pyhä Ägräs, Pyhä Ägröi, Pyhä Äkrässie, Pyhä Äkrässii, Ägrässei, Äkrässie, Äkrässii Ostrobothnia: Äyräs Satakunta: Ähmäri, Äyri, Äyräs |
| Ethnic group | Finns, Karelians |
| Offspring | Ähky (Horse colic) |
| Equivalents | |
| Belarusian | Sporys |
| Latvian | Jumis |
Äkräs or Äyräs is a haltija or god of various plants in Finnish mythology, especially rutabagas. She was first mentioned in writing by Mikael Agricola in 1551: "Egres created peas, beans, rutabagas / Brought forth cabbages, flax, hemp" (Egres hernet Pawudh Naurit loi / Caalit Linat ia Hamput edestoi). She was also later associated with potatoes.
She was known widely from Western Finland to Karelia, and there are many similar beliefs as those associated with Äkräs in traditions around Europe. Similar beliefs also exist among Udmurts.