Vaesen
– Illustrations by Johan Egerkrans
A whole bunch of goblins, death spirits, and monsters have moved into Örebro castle. Johan Egerkrans and his Vaesen are here to visit. Check out the incredible illustrations of trolls, gnomes, nightmares, werewolves, and many more—and learn what’s what. Fact or fiction? According to folklore, it’s as true as it gets.
Throughout several of the castle’s halls, you can discover Johan’s detailed and evocative illustrations of many creatures, some more frightening than others. Here, he brings the creatures of Norse folklore to life—from the tiniest to the immense.
Guided Spirit Walk
Join one of the castle’s guides on a journey into a world filled with Vaesen, legends, and folklore.
Folklore has existed for as long as humans have. When people couldn’t explain why something happened, stories, beliefs, and mythical creatures helped make the world a little more understandable. In the Nordic countries, many of these stories have very ancient roots and have been passed down, adapted, and kept alive from generation to generation.
During the guided tour, you'll meet some of these creatures and learn more about the stories surrounding them.
The nature walk takes about 40 minutes and is suitable for the whole family.
Times: Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Sign up at The Castle Shop before the hike begins.
What a creature—a tricky challenge
The goal here is to figure out which creatures are telling their own stories. This challenge takes you through the exhibition “ Vaesen ” on a hunt for nine exciting creatures.
For children and their families.
Download the materials for "What Kind of Creature?" at The Castle Shop.
About Johan Egerkrans
One of Sweden’s most acclaimed illustrators and authors. He has a particular fascination with myths, monsters, mythical creatures, and prehistoric animals. Even as a child, Johan Egerkrans was drawn to the fantastical and the frightening—despite being afraid of the dark. Today, Johan has been working professionally for many years as an illustrator and concept artist for books, games, films, and comics.
The 2013 book * Vaesen * marked Johan’s debut as an author and his major breakthrough. In it, he brings the fascinating creatures of Nordic folklore to life through words and images. The book also served as the basis for the internationally acclaimed role-playing game *Vaesen – Nordic Horror Roleplaying*.
Over the years, Johan has created several books on Norse mythology, dragons, vampires, dinosaurs, and cryptozoology. He has illustrated over a hundred books in total—including several covers for J.R.R. Tolkien’s works and the illustrations in the new edition of Astrid Lindgren’s *Mio, My Mio*.
Perhaps you recognize Johan’s name and distinctive style from *Drakar och Demoner*? That makes sense. Because when a new version of that classic Swedish role-playing game was released in 2023, it was Johan who created all the illustrations.
In 2021, Johan Egerkrans received the Elsa Beskow Plaque for his body of work. And right now, you can explore his “ Vaesen ” at Örebro castle. Of course, books, postcards, and posters are also available for purchase at The Castle Shop.
Photo: Kajsa Göransson
