The Tulikettu Legend

Tulikettu is a mythical creature in the folklore of northern and eastern Finland. It is a fox whose tail twinkles fire. 

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According to folk stories, the Tulikettu lives far away in hideouts in the woods, or in the north, and very few are said to have seen it. Tulikettu is black during days but twinkles fire during nights. When Tulikettu's skin is brushed it glitters a strange light. 

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Tulikettu gave the northern lights their name in the Finnish language, revontulet, which means "fox fires". In Lapland it has been told that the Tulikettu causes the northern lights with its tail which flings sparks when it touches low hanging branches or bushes while the fox is running

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As a lifelong spitz lover and Shiba Inu owner, foxes have always been a favorite of mine. Imagine my surprise when I discovered a beautiful piece of Finnish folklore that combined foxes and the northern lights! The legend of Tulikettu seemed to combine my past in Shibas and future in Lappies. I immediately knew this would be the name of our kennel.

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Photo by Johanna Tarkela