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Iceland's Yule Lads bring mischief and tradition during Christmas

Iceland's Yule Lads bring mischief and tradition during Christmas
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Guðmundur Hafsteinsson Chairman | Icelandair

Meet the Yule Lads and their friends, a traditional Icelandic folklore featuring mischievous figures associated with Christmas. These characters include Grýla, an ogress known for eating naughty children, and her husband Leppalúði, who is portrayed as idle. Their offspring are the Yule Lads, each with unique antics.

The first of these is Stekkjastaur, or Sheep-Cote Clod, who enjoys teasing sheep. Giljagaur, known as Gully Gawk, hides in gullies to scare passersby. Stúfur or Stubby has a penchant for stealing crusts off pans due to his appetite. Þvörusleikir, or Spoon-Licker, lives up to his name by licking spoons clean.

Pottaskefill or Pot-Licker dislikes food waste and scrapes pots clean. Askasleikir steals bowls to lick them out while Hurðaskellir makes noise by slamming doors. Skyrgámur has an insatiable hunger for skyr, a traditional Icelandic dairy product.

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Bjúgnakrækir targets sausages while Gluggagægir peeps through windows. Gáttaþefur uses his large nose to sniff out food like Icelandic leaf bread during Christmas preparations. Ketkrókur hooks smoked lamb from pantries whereas Kertasníkir was once fond of edible candles made from fat.

These days, the Yule Lads have adopted some manners and leave small gifts in children's shoes if they have been good.

Sigríður Ásta Árnadóttir writes about this folklore that adds a whimsical touch to Iceland's holiday season traditions.

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