Askasleikir - Bowl Licker

“Askasleikir lay patiently beneath the bed, waiting for the sound of bowls being set down, ready to grab and lick them clean in a single sweep.”

– Jóhannes úr Kötlum, Jólin Koma, 1932

Introduction

Askasleikir, or Bowl Licker, is the sixth Yule Lad to make his way down from the mountains, arriving on December 17th. True to his name, Askasleikir has a peculiar obsession with licking the insides of bowls, particularly the traditional askur, a lidded wooden bowl used in old Icelandic households. His sneaky pranks revolve around hiding under beds and waiting for people to leave their bowls unattended so he can swoop in and lick them clean. Like his brothers, Askasleikir’s antics are more mischievous than harmful, adding to the lightheartedness of the Yule Lad tradition.

Historical Background and Earliest Known Reference

Askasleikir has his origins in the same dark folklore that shaped the rest of the Yule Lads, emerging in the 17th century as part of the Icelandic tradition of using tales to discipline children. Early versions of the story depict Askasleikir as a sneaky, troll-like creature who would steal food from bowls and dishes left out by careless families. His name comes from the Icelandic word askur, which refers to the wooden bowl that was a common household item used for meals in earlier centuries.

As the Yule Lads began to evolve from menacing trolls into playful Christmas figures, Askasleikir’s character followed suit. By the 19th century, he had become a lighthearted prankster whose bowl-licking antics were seen as amusing rather than threatening. His role in Icelandic folklore solidified as one of the quieter Yule Lads, known more for his peculiar habits than for causing any real trouble.

Physical Appearance and Clothing

Askasleikir is often described as tall and thin, with a hunched posture that allows him to hide easily under furniture, particularly beds. His long arms and quick movements help him reach up to grab bowls that have been left behind after meals. He is usually depicted with a slightly disheveled appearance, reflecting his focus on sneaking into kitchens and hiding rather than keeping up his own appearance.

Like his brothers, Askasleikir wears traditional Icelandic peasant clothing, though his clothes are often depicted as a bit dirtier or more worn, adding to the idea that he spends most of his time under beds waiting for his chance to steal a bowl. His ragged tunic and woolen cap help him blend into the shadows as he goes about his pranks.

Likes, Dislikes, and Habits

Askasleikir’s greatest love is the askur, a traditional wooden bowl used in old Icelandic homes. He particularly enjoys bowls that still have traces of food in them, whether it be leftover porridge, soup, or stew. His habit of sneaking into rooms and hiding under beds allows him to wait patiently until the bowls are left unattended, at which point he sneaks out to lick them clean.

Askasleikir dislikes spotless kitchens where bowls are washed and put away immediately, as it leaves him with nothing to steal. He also avoids homes where people are vigilant about keeping their food covered, as it makes it more difficult for him to indulge in his bowl-licking obsession.

Types of Pranks and Mischief

Askasleikir’s pranks are centered around his habit of licking bowls clean. He often hides under beds, waiting for people to finish their meals and leave their bowls behind. Once the coast is clear, he sneaks out from his hiding spot and licks the bowls clean, making sure to get every last bit of food. His pranks are quiet and unobtrusive, though families are often left puzzled when they find their bowls mysteriously cleaned out.

Unlike some of his noisier brothers, Askasleikir’s antics go unnoticed until the following day, when people realize that their bowls have been licked spotless without anyone doing the washing.

Relationship with Humans and Other Yule Lads

Askasleikir’s relationship with humans has always been more benign compared to some of his more mischievous brothers. While his pranks involve stealing food remnants, his actions are often seen as harmless and even a bit comical. In modern times, his bowl-licking antics are viewed as part of the fun and mystery surrounding the Yule Lads.

Among the Yule Lads, Askasleikir tends to keep to himself, focusing on his obsession with bowls rather than joining in on the noisier pranks. He is often grouped together with his brothers Spoon Licker (Þvörusleikir) and Pot Licker (Pottasleikir), as the three share a love of scavenging food remnants. Together, they are known as the trio of kitchen thieves, each with their own specific target.

Modern Depictions and Popularity

Today, Askasleikir is a well-known figure in Icelandic Christmas folklore, particularly among children. His strange yet harmless habit of licking bowls makes him a popular character in children’s books, holiday decorations, and figurines. His role as a sneaky but non-threatening prankster adds to his charm, making him one of the more endearing Yule Lads.

Askasleikir is often featured in Icelandic holiday parades and events, where his bowl-licking antics are played up for comedic effect. His presence in modern Christmas traditions reflects the shift in how the Yule Lads are viewed—not as fearsome creatures, but as playful characters who bring a sense of fun to the holiday season.

Fun Facts and Trivia

• Askasleikir’s name, meaning “Bowl Licker,” comes from the Icelandic word askur, which refers to the traditional wooden bowls used in old Icelandic households.
• In modern depictions, Askasleikir is often shown hiding under furniture, waiting for his chance to steal a bowl and lick it clean.
• Askasleikir has become a popular figure in Icelandic holiday merchandise, with his image appearing on everything from ornaments to Christmas cards.

Astrological Sign: Cancer

Askasleikir’s love of food and his habit of hiding under beds fit well with the traits of Cancer. Cancers are known for their connection to home and comfort, much like Askasleikir’s preference for staying close to kitchens and finding joy in the remnants of a meal. His quiet, observant nature also aligns with Cancer’s tendency to stay in the background, making this astrological sign a fitting match for his personality.

Cultural Significance

Askasleikir’s strange habit of licking bowls reflects the resourcefulness that was once necessary in Icelandic households, where no food was wasted. His pranks, while odd, highlight the importance of making use of every last bit of a meal during the long winter months.

Askasleikir’s role in Icelandic folklore reminds us of a time when resourcefulness and practicality were valued, even in the midst of playful mischief.