Kertasníkir - Candle Beggar

“Kertasníkir moved silently through the rooms, his eyes fixated on the flickering candlelight, eager to take it for himself on the cold, dark winter’s eve.”

– Jóhannes úr Kötlum, Jólin Koma, 1932

Introduction

Kertasníkir, or Candle Beggar, is the thirteenth and final Yule Lad to arrive, making his appearance on Christmas Eve, December 24th. Known for his obsession with candles, Kertasníkir sneaks through homes, begging for or stealing the candles that once illuminated the cold winter nights in Iceland. In earlier times, candles were made from tallow and were a rare and valuable commodity. Kertasníkir’s fascination with these precious light sources makes him one of the most endearing Yule Lads, closing out the holiday season with his playful antics.

Historical Background and Earliest Known Reference

Kertasníkir has been part of Icelandic folklore since the 17th century, where he was originally portrayed as a more sinister figure. In these earlier stories, his habit of stealing candles was no small inconvenience, as candles were essential during the dark winter months when daylight was scarce. The loss of even a single candle could mean longer hours in darkness, making his actions a serious threat to households. His name, meaning “Candle Beggar,” perfectly describes his obsession with collecting these valuable light sources.

As with his brothers, Kertasníkir’s image softened by the 19th century, and he became a more playful figure in the Christmas traditions. Today, his pranks are seen as part of the festive mischief of the Yule season, and his love of candles has taken on a more lighthearted tone.

Physical Appearance and Clothing

Kertasníkir is often depicted as a tall, lanky figure with an eager expression, always on the lookout for candles. His eyes are wide and watchful, as he follows the flickering lights through homes in hopes of claiming one for himself. He is often shown carrying a candle or sneaking through doorways, his thin frame allowing him to move quietly and unnoticed.

Like his brothers, Kertasníkir wears traditional Icelandic peasant clothing, though his attire is often a bit shabby, reflecting his role as a beggar. His woolen tunic and trousers are practical, but his clothing is sometimes depicted as worn or patched, emphasizing his humble nature as he goes about his candle-stealing pranks.

Likes, Dislikes, and Habits

Kertasníkir’s greatest love is candles, particularly those made from tallow, which were used in Icelandic homes for light. He enjoys sneaking into homes on Christmas Eve to steal or beg for these precious light sources, his eyes gleaming with excitement whenever he spots a flickering flame. His obsession with candles is so strong that he will go to great lengths to acquire them, whether by sneaking through homes or by simply begging for one at the door.

He dislikes homes where candles are carefully guarded or extinguished early, as it leaves him with nothing to steal. His pranks are relatively harmless, though families may wake up to find their candles mysteriously missing on Christmas morning.

Types of Pranks and Mischief

Kertasníkir’s pranks revolve around his love for candles. He sneaks into homes late at night, searching for lit candles or those left unattended. Once he finds one, he quietly takes it, often leaving the family in darkness or with one less candle for their Christmas celebrations. His antics are more mischievous than harmful, though the sudden disappearance of candles can be a source of confusion and laughter the next day.

Unlike some of his brothers who engage in noisier or messier pranks, Kertasníkir’s actions are quiet and unobtrusive, though his love for light makes him one of the more memorable Yule Lads. His pranks are often carried out without the family realizing, and his presence is revealed only by the missing candles.

Relationship with Humans and Other Yule Lads

Kertasníkir’s relationship with humans is shaped by his obsession with candles. While his theft of candles can be frustrating, especially on Christmas Eve when light is needed most, his pranks are viewed with humor in modern times. Families often laugh at the idea of a Yule Lad sneaking into their home just to steal a candle, and his antics are seen as part of the fun and mystery of the holiday season.

Among his brothers, Kertasníkir is known for his more quiet and observant nature. He prefers to watch the flickering lights from a distance before sneaking in to take his prize. His closest allies are the other food and item-focused Yule Lads, such as Spoon Licker and Sausage Swiper, though Kertasníkir’s fixation on candles sets him apart from his more food-oriented brothers.

Modern Depictions and Popularity

In modern Icelandic Christmas traditions, Kertasníkir is a beloved figure, particularly for children who enjoy the idea of a candle-loving Yule Lad sneaking around on Christmas Eve. His character is often featured in children’s books, holiday decorations, and figurines, where his candle obsession is played up for comedic effect. He is usually shown with a candle in hand or sneaking towards a flickering flame, his eager expression reflecting his excitement.

Kertasníkir’s role in modern Christmas events and parades often emphasizes his love for light, with actors portraying him sneaking around to steal candles or begging for one at each door. His playful pranks add to the festive spirit, and his presence on Christmas Eve brings a sense of anticipation and fun to the end of the Yule Lad season.

Fun Facts and Trivia

• Kertasníkir’s name, meaning “Candle Beggar,” comes from his obsession with candles, particularly those made from tallow, which were used in old Icelandic homes for light.
• In modern depictions, Kertasníkir is often shown with wide, eager eyes, reflecting his fascination with flickering candlelight.
• Despite his candle-stealing antics, Kertasníkir is seen as one of the more lighthearted and endearing Yule Lads, and his pranks are more amusing than disruptive.

Astrological Sign: Libra

Kertasníkir’s love for light and his focus on beauty and balance align well with the traits of Libra. Libras are known for their appreciation of harmony, aesthetics, and the finer things in life, much like Kertasníkir’s obsession with the soft glow of candles. His desire to acquire these precious light sources reflects Libra’s love for all things beautiful and serene, making this astrological sign a fitting match for his personality.

Cultural Significance

Kertasníkir’s fascination with candles reflects the importance of light during the long, dark winter months in Iceland. His pranks remind us of a time when candles were a precious commodity, and his playful antics bring a sense of lightheartedness to the end of the Yule Lad season.

Kertasníkir’s presence in Icelandic folklore adds a symbolic element to the Yule Lad tradition, as his love for candles brings light to the darkness of the Christmas season.