The Solitary Tomte of Fjellhjem Farm

By AI-ChatGPT4o-T.Chr.-Human Synthesis-15 December 2024

Deep in the heart of Norway, nestled between snow-capped mountains and frosted pine forests, lay Fjellhjem Farm. It was a simple, peaceful place, with its red barn, wooden stables, and fields blanketed in snow during winter.

Yet, what made Fjellhjem truly special was its solitary guardian, the Tomte. The Tomte, known to the family as Lars, was an invisible gnome who watched over the farm. Though no one ever saw him, his presence was undeniable. Every morning, the animals were fed, the tools were neatly arranged, and the barn was tidied—even when no one had been there. The family knew this was Lars’s work, for he had been there long before they had.

Duties of the Tomte.

Lars took his responsibilities seriously. Each evening, as the family slept, he would begin his rounds. By the light of the moon, he checked the stable doors to ensure the animals were safe from the cold and prowling wolves. He whispered to the cows and sheep, soothing them to sleep. He inspected the fences for weak spots and straightened the rows of tools on the wall. If a hinge creaked or a latch was loose, Lars fixed it with his tiny, unseen hands. But Lars’s duties extended beyond practical chores. He brought a quiet magic to the farm, ensuring the crops grew strong in spring and the fields were fertile year after year. His bond with Fjellhjem was unshakable; it was his home, and he would protect it for as long as he could.

The Importance of Gratitude

The family knew that while Lars worked tirelessly, he was not to be taken for granted. Tomte were known to be fiercely loyal, but they could also grow resentful if neglected or disrespected. So every Christmas Eve, the family prepared a special thank-you for Lars.After dinner, they placed a bowl of steaming rice porridge, topped with a generous pat of butter, in the barn. They left a small cup of spiced mulled wine beside it, along with a few warm cookies. Then, with quiet words of gratitude, they closed the barn door and let the Tomte enjoy his feast in peace.

A Christmas Surprise

One Christmas Eve, young Astrid, the family’s daughter, decided to stay awake to catch a glimpse of Lars. She hid behind a haystack in the barn, her breath forming little clouds in the frosty air. At midnight, the barn seemed to shimmer with a faint golden glow. She heard soft footsteps and saw the porridge bowl being lifted—though no one was there!She stayed very still as she watched the invisible Lars enjoy his meal. Then, she heard his voice, low and gruff but filled with warmth:"Another good year at Fjellhjem. A fine family, they are."Astrid smiled to herself and tiptoed back to bed, her heart full of wonder.

Lars’s Legacy

Years passed, and the family grew, but they never forgot their Tomte. Each Christmas Eve, they left his favorite treats in the barn, ensuring his loyalty and protection. Lars, though unseen, remained the quiet heart of Fjellhjem Farm—a guardian who asked for nothing but respect, a bit of porridge, and the joy of knowing his farm thrived under his watch.And so, the tradition endured: the farm prospered, the animals flourished, and the Tomte of Fjellhjem Farm continued his solitary duties, cherished by the family who never forgot to leave his Christmas Eve gift.