Näcken

The Näcken is an antagonist in Bramble the Mountain King. A dangerous water spirit who haunts a large area of water in the forest, he relentlessly hunts Olle after the young boy unwittingly stumbles into his territory. 
=== Background ===
In his past life, Näcken was a simple man that loved playing his violin. But the village did not appreciate his talent. People would frequently bully him. And the only soul that did not was a girl that Näcken fell in love with. One day the bullying and beatings became so severe that Näcken's anger finally overtook him. 
He marched into the village playing forbidden melodies that made everyone dance until their flesh and bone got worn down. They eventually died, leaving behind shuffling corpses still trying to dance to Näcken's melodies. 
His love was not spared death either. Devastated, Näcken left the town and lived by the lake drowning in his sorrow where he still lures people with his deadly music.
=== Bramble the Mountain King ===
Näcken first encountered Olle when he had been playing his violin by the lake, and the music unintentionally lured the boy close. Näcken quickly tried to capture him, but Olle swiftly dodged the attempt. From then on, he followed the boy as he tried to escape. As Näcken could not leave water for long, he tried several methods to catch Olle before he got further into the forest. Their chase came to an end when they both plunged into a rushing river, and ended up going over a waterfall. While Olle survived, Näcken landed on a rock and was killed.
== Characteristics ==
=== Appearance ===
Näcken has long, wet, stringy black hair and grey skin. His teeth are pointed sharp, and his eyes are a greenish-white. His whole body is covered in moss, grass, and dirt.
=== Personality ===
=== Abilities ===
* He can play songs on the violin that lure people to him against their will.
* He can play melodies that force people to dance forever until they die.
* He can pluck a string that can either repel or kill everything in within radius of him.
== Trivia ==
* In Nordic folklore, a Näcken was a shapeshifter that often took the form of a handsome man. He would played his violin by the water, luring women and children to drown. He could be warded off by saying his true name, or by offering him something, like a bit of blood or some tobacco.
== Gallery ==
File:Nackennotices.png|Näcken notices Olle
File:Nackenappears.png|Emerging from the water
File:Nackeninmud.png|Näcken chases Olle through the mud
File:Nackengrabsolle.png|Näcken grabs Olle as they reach the waterfall
File:Nackenhuman.png|A young Näcken
File:Nackencurses.png|Cursing the villagers with forbidden melodies
== References ==
Category:Antagonists