Pottasleikir - Pot Licker

“Pottasleikir waited beneath the beds, listening for the sound of pots being scraped clean, ready to snatch any that were left behind.”

– Jólin Koma by Jóhannes úr Kötlum

Introduction

Pottasleikir, or Pot Licker, is the fifth Yule Lad to arrive during the Christmas season. Known for his sneaky habit of hiding under beds, Pottasleikir waits patiently for the chance to grab unattended pots and lick them clean of any remaining food. His name is derived from the Icelandic word pottur, meaning “pot,” and his mischievous antics revolve entirely around his obsession with leftovers. Unlike some of his noisier brothers, Pottasleikir prefers a more subtle approach, relying on stealth to satisfy his hunger for scraps.

Historical Background and Earliest Known Reference

Pottasleikir’s character can be traced back to traditional Icelandic folklore and appears prominently in the works of Jóhannes úr Kötlum in the poem Jólasveinarnir from Jólin Koma. His inclusion in the Yule Lad tradition represents the practical, food-based mischief that many of the Lads are known for. Pots were valuable household items in old Icelandic homes, used for cooking over the hearth, and any leftover food in these pots would be a welcome prize for the Yule Lad. The earliest known references to Pottasleikir come from the oral storytelling tradition, passed down through generations to teach children to be mindful of their belongings during the Yule season.

Physical Appearance and Clothing

Pottasleikir is often depicted as thin and gaunt, likely a result of subsisting on meager leftovers. His face is usually scrunched with hunger, and his long arms help him reach up from his hiding places under the bed to snatch pots. He wears ragged, traditional Icelandic peasant clothing, which consists of a worn woolen tunic and pants, practical but tattered from years of sneaking under furniture. His long fingers are perfect for grasping the handles of pots, and his sharp eyes are always on the lookout for unattended kitchenware.

Likes, Dislikes, and Habits

Pottasleikir’s greatest love is the crusty remnants of food left at the bottom of cooking pots. He has a particular fondness for pots that are left uncleaned after a meal, as these often contain the best scraps of food. His habits are sneaky but straightforward—he hides under beds or in dark corners of kitchens, waiting for someone to place a pot nearby. Once the coast is clear, he quickly snatches the pot and licks it clean, savoring every last bit of food.
Pottasleikir dislikes clean, empty pots, as they provide him with nothing to eat. Households that promptly wash their pots after a meal are his greatest frustration, as they leave him without a chance to indulge in his favorite pastime.

Types of Pranks and Mischief

Pottasleikir’s pranks are more about stealth than disruption. While some of his brothers might engage in noisy antics like slamming doors or stealing sausages, Pottasleikir prefers to act when no one is looking. His method of mischief is simple: once a pot is left unattended, he quickly emerges from his hiding place to grab it and lick it clean. In the morning, families might be puzzled to find their pots spotless, with not a scrap of food left inside. His pranks are harmless but always leave behind a sense of mystery.

Relationship with Humans and Other Yule Lads

Pottasleikir’s relationship with humans is built on his desire to take advantage of their leftover food. He isn’t malicious, but his sneaky habits can still cause frustration in households where every bit of food is valuable. In Iceland’s old days, wasting food was unthinkable, and a missing pot could leave a family with little to eat during the cold winter months.
Among his brothers, Pottasleikir gets along well with other food-focused Yule Lads like Spoon Licker and Bowl Licker, who share his love for scraps and leftovers. Together, they form a group of mischief-makers who rely on the food left behind by humans to satisfy their hunger.

Modern Depictions and Popularity

In modern Icelandic Christmas folklore, Pottasleikir is still a beloved figure. Though his habit of licking pots clean might seem simple, he is often portrayed with a sense of humor, especially in children’s books and Christmas decorations. His thin, hungry appearance contrasts with his relatively harmless pranks, making him a character that families enjoy talking about during the holiday season. Pottasleikir’s likeness is often featured in Christmas figurines, where he is shown holding a pot, eagerly licking the last bits of food.

Fun Facts and Trivia

• Pottasleikir’s name translates directly to “Pot Licker,” highlighting his obsession with licking pots clean.
• He is one of several food-focused Yule Lads, including Spoon Licker and Bowl Licker, who also steal kitchen items.
• Pottasleikir’s preference for scraps mirrors the resourcefulness of old Icelandic households, where wasting food was avoided at all costs.

Astrological Sign: Cancer

Pottasleikir’s focus on the home and his desire to indulge in kitchen leftovers align well with the traits of Cancer. Cancers are known for their love of comfort, food, and home life, much like Pottasleikir’s tendency to sneak into kitchens in search of food. His shy, sneaky behavior also reflects Cancer’s cautious nature, as he only emerges when he feels safe and unseen.

Quotes and Cultural Significance

Pottasleikir’s antics remind us of the importance of resourcefulness and not wasting food, a value that has been central to Icelandic culture for generations. In old Icelandic homes, every scrap of food was used, and nothing went to waste. Pottasleikir’s sneaky behavior reflects the scarcity of food during winter and the value of making the most out of every meal.