Giljagaur - Gully Gawk

“Giljagaur crouched low in the dark gullies, his eyes fixed on the milk in the barns, waiting for the perfect moment to sneak in and steal a sip.”

– Jóhannes úr Kötlum, Jólin Koma, 1932

Introduction

Giljagaur, or Gully Gawk, is the second Yule Lad to arrive, making his appearance on December 13th. Unlike his brother Stekkjastaur, who targets sheep, Giljagaur’s focus is on sneaking into barns to steal milk. His cunning nature allows him to wait patiently in the gullies, hiding until the right moment when the barn is unguarded. Though he is more secretive than some of his brothers, Giljagaur’s mischievous pranks and ability to slip in and out unnoticed have earned him a unique place among the Yule Lads.

Historical Background and Earliest Known Reference

Giljagaur, like his brothers, is first mentioned in 17th-century Icelandic folklore, where he was depicted as a more sinister figure. The name “Giljagaur” directly refers to the deep gullies or ravines where he is said to hide, waiting for his chance to sneak into barns. The stories surrounding him, as noted in collections by Jón Árnason, portrayed him as a dark, troll-like creature who thrived in the long winter nights, causing trouble for local farmers by stealing the milk that was often scarce during the harsh winter season.

By the 19th and early 20th centuries, as the Yule Lads evolved from feared beings into more playful Christmas figures, Giljagaur’s role shifted as well. His character softened, becoming more of a harmless trickster than a threatening figure. His stealthy habits, however, have remained a core part of his identity, even as his pranks have taken on a more lighthearted tone.

Physical Appearance and Clothing

Giljagaur is typically described as tall and wiry, with sharp eyes that help him peer out from the shadows of the gullies where he hides. His appearance reflects his sneaky nature—he is often depicted with a hood pulled low over his face, helping him blend into the darkness. His clothing is simple, made of traditional woolen garments, often in dark colors to reflect his habit of lurking in shadowy places. He is more nimble than his brother Stekkjastaur, allowing him to move quickly when the opportunity arises to sneak into barns.

Likes, Dislikes, and Habits

Giljagaur’s greatest love is fresh cow’s milk. He is known to spend hours waiting in gullies, biding his time until the barn is empty and he can sneak in to steal the milk. His patience is one of his defining traits—unlike some of his more impulsive brothers, Giljagaur takes his time to ensure he is not caught in the act. His dislike of well-guarded barns and vigilant farmers is a key part of his character, as he prefers to operate in places where he can slip in and out without being noticed.

Types of Pranks and Mischief

Giljagaur’s pranks revolve around his sneaky nature and his obsession with stealing milk. He waits in dark gullies near farms, keeping an eye on the barn until it is safe to enter. His pranks often involve sneaking into the barn in the dead of night, drinking as much milk as he can before escaping. His stealth is his greatest asset, and he often leaves without a trace, though sometimes his presence is given away by the empty milk pails left behind. While his pranks were once seen as a threat to farmers, today they are viewed as harmless mischief that adds to the fun of the Yule season.

Relationship with Humans and Other Yule Lads

In the past, Giljagaur was feared by farmers who depended on their livestock for survival during the long Icelandic winters. His habit of stealing milk could pose a serious problem during times when food and resources were scarce. However, as the Yule Lads became more integrated into Christmas traditions, Giljagaur’s character became less threatening and more playful. Today, he is seen as a mischievous figure who adds a touch of fun to the holiday season.

Giljagaur has a somewhat solitary relationship with his brothers. While other Yule Lads, such as Door Slammer or Bowl Licker, enjoy causing a ruckus, Giljagaur prefers to operate quietly and alone. His most frequent ally is Skyrgámur, who also shares a love of dairy products. The two are often depicted working together to satisfy their milk-related cravings, though Giljagaur is more cautious and calculated in his approach.

Modern Depictions and Popularity

Today, Giljagaur is often featured in Icelandic Christmas celebrations, particularly in stories and children’s books. His sneaky behavior and love for milk make him a relatable character for children, who enjoy the idea of a Yule Lad lurking in the shadows, waiting for his chance to play a prank. He is also depicted in holiday figurines, often shown crouching or hiding, ready to make his move.

At public events in Iceland, Giljagaur is sometimes portrayed as part of the Yule Lad parades and holiday festivities, where his stealthy antics are played up for comedic effect. His image, like those of his brothers, has become a central part of Iceland’s Christmas folklore.

Fun Facts and Trivia

• Giljagaur’s name, meaning “Gully Gawk,” comes from his habit of hiding in gullies near farms, watching and waiting for the right moment to sneak in and steal milk.
• Despite his stealthy reputation, Giljagaur is often portrayed in modern cartoons and children’s stories as a clumsy character who occasionally knocks over milk pails in his eagerness to steal from the barn.
• In some regions of Iceland, there are local legends that say Giljagaur has been caught in the act multiple times but always manages to slip away at the last second.

Astrological Sign: Scorpio

Giljagaur’s secretive nature and ability to lie in wait, watching and planning his moves, align him perfectly with the traits of Scorpio. Scorpios are known for their resourcefulness and intensity, much like Giljagaur, who takes his time to ensure his plans are executed flawlessly. His quiet observation and determination fit the Scorpio profile, making this astrological sign an ideal match for his personality.

Cultural Significance

Giljagaur, with his focus on stealth and milk-stealing, reflects the importance of dairy in Icelandic farming culture. His character, though once feared, is now seen as a symbol of Iceland’s long-standing connection to agriculture and livestock.

Giljagaur’s presence reminds us of the quiet, watchful spirits that once lurked in the dark winter nights, waiting for their chance to stir up mischief in Icelandic farms.