The Woman of the Longest Night

Before the candlelit Lucia processions of modern Sweden, the night of 13 December had a far more troubling reputation.

Known as Lussenatten, it was regarded as a night of supernatural danger. In northern Swedish tradition, a frightening mountain woman associated with Lucia led supernatural beings abroad. Elsewhere in Scandinavian folklore, Lussi was said to punish households that had failed to complete their Christmas preparations.

For November's Monster of the Month, we're turning to this older, darker figure.

The Prompt

The procession passes your house at midnight. Every person is carrying a candle. The last one has no face.

Submissions

We welcome original poetry, fiction, nonfiction and visual art inspired by Lussi or the prompt above.

You may interpret the prompt freely. Your work need not retell the traditional legend, provided it engages with this month's creature or theme.

Deadline: 20 November 2026, 00:00

Selected work will be featured by Lore Lorn. Please read the category-specific guidelines before submitting.