Vigala Sass: Estonia's folk legend who used himself as a test subject for his own drugs

Vigala Sass (1941–2015) was a beloved Estonian folk figure whose philosophy held that life is hard enough, so any chance to celebrate should be seized. Known for his philosophical conversations and irreverent songs, he also reportedly experimented with his own herbal concoctions, sometimes in multiple doses. His legendary 'witch song' and signature 'kraaks!' became hallmarks of his unforgettable presence.

Vigala Sass, born on 31 May 1941 and passed on 19 August 2015, was one of Estonia's most colourful folk personalities — a man whose approach to life was as unconventional as it was infectious. His core philosophy was simple: existence is already burdensome enough, so whenever a chance to celebrate arises, one must seize it without hesitation.

Those who knew him speak fondly of his love for deep philosophical conversation. No matter how engaging the discussion, however, Sass would inevitably reach a point where he broke into song — typically opening with a verse of words far too earthy for print, often rendered as 'Si**, vi** ja vankrimääre...' ('Sh**, f*** and axle grease...'). It was a kind of irresistible punctuation mark on any gathering he attended.

Nor could any celebration with Sass pass without his famous 'witch song', which he delivered with theatrical commitment. The finale was always the same — a deep, resonant 'kraaks!' that served as the knowing man's seal of approval, as inevitable as the sun rising over Lääne-Viru County.

Perhaps most striking was his relationship with the herbal substances and folk remedies he prepared. Sass acted as his own test subject, reportedly administering his own preparations to himself — and on occasion in multiples of the recommended dose. It was a practice that mirrored the reckless courage he applied to life in general: if something was worth doing, it was worth doing fully.

Vigala Sass remains a singular figure in Estonian cultural memory — part folk healer, part bard, part philosopher, and entirely himself. His songs, his laugh, and that unmistakable 'kraaks!' have outlived him, kept alive by the many who gathered around his table and were changed by the experience.