As the countdown continues, we’re back in Iceland with a familiar crowd who reside with one another all under the same cave dwelling.
Tonight I present to you “The Yule Lads”
I know the name is better suited to a busload of British school leavers on their way to a Christmas weekend in Magaluf, but instead refers to the 13 sons of the previously mentioned Grýla.
The Yule Lads were depicted initially as evil spirits and trolls (much like Grýla). They originally represented the dark spirits of nature taking over as winter forced communities indoors and off the mountains. They would come down to the towns and farms one by one, eventually covering the streets on Christmas Eve. This was when the spirits of winter had fully reclaimed the land. They would then retreat one by one as the days become longer and winter begins to run its course.
There were previously as many as 82 yule lads who were far more cruel and punishing. An 18th-century royal decree about religious practice and domestic discipline banned parents from using horror stories and monsters to threaten their children. As such, the stories became much tamer, leading to the far more generous and only slightly naughty characters present today.
Of the thirteen original Yule lads, they each represent:
1. Stekkjarstaur (or Sheepcote Clod) he Harasses sheep, but is impaired by his stiff peg-legs. He arrives on 12 December and departs on 25 December
2. Giljagaur (or Gully Gawk) Hides in gullies, waiting for an opportunity to sneak into the cowshed and steal milk. He arrives on 13 December and departs on 26 December
3. Stúfur (or Stubby) Abnormally short. Steals pans for the food baked to the bottoms and brims. Arrives 14 December and departs 27 December
4. Þvörusleikir (or Spoon Licker) Steals wooden spoons being used for cooking. Extremely thin from malnutrition. Arrives15 December and departs 28 December
5. Pottaskefill (or Pot Scraper) Steals pots to scrape out the leftovers. Arrives 16 December and departs 29 December
6. Askasleikir (or Bowl Licker) hides under beds awaiting the wooden food bowls placed on the floor. Arrives 17 December and departs 30 December.
7. Hurðaskellir (or Door Slammer) Enjoys slamming doors, especially during the night, waking up the household. Arrives 18 December and departs 31 December.
8. Skyrgámur ( or Skyr Gobbler ) Has a great affinity for skyr, a regional style of yogurt. Arrives 19 December and departs 1 January.
9. Bjúgnakrækir (or Sausage Swiper) Hides in the rafters and snatches sausages that are being smoked. Arrives 20 December and departs 2 January.
10. Gluggagægir ( or Window Peeper) A snoop who looks through windows in search of things to steal. Arrives 21 December and departs 3 January.
11. Gáttaþefur (or Doorway Sniffer) Has an abnormally large nose and an acute sense of smell which he uses to locate leaf bread (laufabrauð).Arrives 22 December and departs 4 January.
12. Ketkrókur (or Meat Hook) Uses a hook to steal meat. Arrives 23 December and departs 5 January.
13. Kertasníkir (or Candle Beggar) Follows children to steal their precious candles, made of tallow and thus edible. Arr ives 24 December and departs 6 January.
In modern traditions, similar to Santa stockings, children will leave a shoe on the windowsill. The yule lads will leave gifts and fill with sweets if they are good. However, if they are naughty they can expect rotting potatoes.
Lastly, and perhaps only worthy of a footnote mention is “Leppalúði” Third husband and father to the Yule Lads he only receives a minor mention as he is described as being lazy and only staying home in the cave – 13 children will probably have that effect on you and I’m sure like all Dads on Christmas day he’s good for collecting all the wrapping paper in a rubbish bag and asking everyone what they got from Santa.
So who do you think is the most mildly inconvenient of the Yule Lads? Let us know in the comments
-Sam 
