Virbi (Virp)

An obscure word denoting a malevolent essence – human, animal, neither – ‘from the other side’, a Pratchett-like Lord or Lady, in Estonian an eksitaja, somebody or something that leads you astray. A possible synonym of nõidus, malefice, wicked enchantment, etc. Similar words, etymologically unrelated but sharing lexical qualities (think slither and slime, squelch and belch), include virvatuli (will-o’-the-wisp or ignus fatuus), vilbus is an old name for a ghost, and virp:virbi is a Setu word for ghost, apparition or wraith. Renamed (1979-1995) as Velikije Luki during the Soviet occupation. Place-names on the northernmost tip of Naissaar (island off NE coast of Tallinn known, optimistically, by Adam of Bremen as Terra feminarum, land of women) such as Virbikünka and Virbikalda, are not related to this, and seem to be of Swedish origin, fyr for fire, thence beacon or lighthouse, one of which happens to be right next door and has been since its first wooden version of 1788. Then again, how old is virp? To be continued. Part of a magico-mythological group. See Anni.