In Scandinavian folklore, the Skogsra ("Lady of the Forest") is a seductive forest creature. The Skogsra is a stunningly beautiful, sometimes naked woman with long hair; though from behind she is hollow like an old tree trunk, and has an animal's tail.
The Skogsra were held to be kind to colliers, watching their charcoal kilns while they rested. Knowing that she would wake them if there were any problems, they were able to sleep, and in exchange they left provisions for her in a special place.
In some traditions, the Skogsra lures men into the forest to have sexual intercourse with her, rewarding those who satisfy her and often killing those who do not. The Norwegian Skogsra is a lot less bloodthirsty and may simply kidnap a man or lure him into the underworld. She sometimes steals human infants and replaces them with her own ugly changeling children.
Sometimes she marries a local farm boy, but when this happens, the glamour leaves her when the priest lays his hand on her or when she enters the church. Some legends tell of husbands who subsequently treat her badly. Some fairy tales leave out this feature, and only relate how a marriage to a Christian man will cause her to lose her tail, but not her looks, and let the couple live happily ever after. However, if she is treated badly, she will remind him that she is far from weak, often by straightening out a horseshoe with her bare hands, sometimes while it is still glowing hot from the forge.
"Beautiful wood faeries of Swedish folklore. They are said to resemble beautiful women from the front, but their backs are covered in bark. They are known to blow on huntsmen's rifles to bless them, as well as protect campfires while travelers sleep. They yearn for the company of a man, but those who see their backs flee in terror."
—Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey compendium
Skogsras appear as recruitable enemies in Sector Delphinus' middle levels. A Skogsra must be encountered during the EX Mission Waving her back goodbye.
Shin Megami Tensei IV
Skogsra can be found in Shibuya. She can teach Flynn the Wind Breath and Scratch Dance skills through her Demon Whisper. Skogsra is one of the demons summoned by Fusou Fujio in the second round of the "Hunter Tournament Finals" Challenge Quest.
Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse
Skogsra can be found in the Sky Tower. She can teach the Rakunda, Wind Breath and Scratch Dance skills through her Demon Whisper. Skosgra benefits fom learning Force and support skills.
