Stekkjastaur - Sheep-Cote Clod

“Stekkjastaur snuck into the barn, his stiff legs making each step clumsy, yet still he reached for the ewes’ milk in the cold of night.”

– Jóhannes úr Kötlum, Jólin Koma, 1932

Introduction

Stekkjastaur, or Sheep-Cote Clod, is the first of the 13 Yule Lads to descend from the mountains each December 12th, marking the beginning of the Yule season. Known for his stiff legs and love of harassing sheep, Stekkjastaur is a clumsy, yet determined character. Despite his awkward movements, he’s always eager to sneak into barns in search of milk from ewes. As the first Yule Lad to appear, he sets the tone for the playful mischief that will follow in the days leading up to Christmas.

Historical Background and Earliest Known Reference

Stekkjastaur’s earliest documented appearance dates back to the 17th century, during a time when the Yule Lads were seen as terrifying figures. Historically, he was part of a group of trolls and evil spirits that caused trouble for Icelandic farmers. His stiff legs were symbolic of his troll origins, often making him clumsy in his efforts to steal milk from sheep. Jón Árnason’s collection of Icelandic folklore describes Stekkjastaur as a menacing creature who terrorized livestock during the harsh winter months.

As Iceland’s cultural and religious landscape shifted in the 19th and 20th centuries, the Yule Lads, including Stekkjastaur, underwent a transformation. Instead of being feared, they became beloved figures associated with Christmas cheer and lighthearted pranks. The poet Jóhannes úr Kötlum was instrumental in softening the image of the Yule Lads, portraying them as mischievous, yet ultimately harmless, characters in his 1932 poem Jólin Koma.

Physical Appearance and Clothing

Stekkjastaur is instantly recognizable by his stiff, almost wooden-like legs, which make him lumber slowly and awkwardly. His legs are described as being so rigid that they limit his ability to move quickly, resulting in comedic failed attempts to steal from sheep pens.

Stekkjastaur is usually depicted wearing traditional Icelandic peasant clothing, similar to what farmers would have worn in earlier centuries. His woolen garments include a thick tunic, boots, and a woolen cap, all in earthy tones that reflect the rural environment he’s associated with. Unlike Santa Claus, Stekkjastaur’s appearance is far more rustic, emphasizing his connection to Icelandic folklore rather than commercial Christmas imagery.

Likes, Dislikes, and Habits

Stekkjastaur’s favorite pastime is attempting to steal milk directly from sheep. His stiff legs make this challenging, and more often than not, his attempts end in failure. Despite this, he returns each year with the same goal in mind, showing a level of persistence that defines his character.

Stekkjastaur dislikes well-guarded barns and alert shepherds, who can easily thwart his efforts. His love for sheep is what drives his mischief, and his inability to move swiftly often leaves him frustrated. Unlike his brothers who may focus on food or pranks inside homes, Stekkjastaur’s obsession is tied closely to Iceland’s agrarian roots and the importance of livestock.

Types of Pranks and Mischief

Stekkjastaur’s mischief revolves entirely around sheep. Each year, he sneaks into barns at night in hopes of sucking the milk from the ewes, only to be hindered by his stiff legs. His attempts to steal from the flock are more laughable than threatening, as his movements are so slow that the sheep are often able to escape.

In some modern retellings, Stekkjastaur is portrayed as the “clumsy” Yule Lad, always failing in his endeavors but never giving up. His pranks are harmless to the sheep, but they add a sense of fun and tradition to the Yule celebrations, as families tell stories of Stekkjastaur’s repeated failures.

Relationship with Humans and Other Yule Lads

In earlier times, Stekkjastaur was seen as a nuisance by Icelandic farmers, particularly those whose livelihood depended on their sheep. He represented a genuine threat to the winter food supply. However, as the Yule Lads became more humanized, Stekkjastaur’s role shifted from a feared figure to a quirky, playful character.

With his brothers, Stekkjastaur tends to be one of the quieter Yule Lads. His focus is entirely on his own task of harassing sheep, while some of his brothers, like Door Slammer or Spoon Licker, are known for more boisterous pranks. He is, however, closely connected to Skyrgámur, who shares his love of dairy, though Skyrgámur focuses on stealing skyr rather than milk from sheep.

Modern Depictions and Popularity

Today, Stekkjastaur is one of the most recognized Yule Lads, especially because he arrives first. His stiff-legged antics make him a favorite among children, and his image appears in children’s books, Christmas decorations, and figurines. Stekkjastaur’s clumsy nature is emphasized in modern retellings, making him more comedic than menacing.

During Yule celebrations, he is often depicted at public events in Iceland, where he interacts with children, telling them about his failed attempts to get milk from the sheep. His rustic clothing and humorous personality have made him a cherished figure in the lead-up to Christmas.

Fun Facts and Trivia

• Stekkjastaur is often depicted alongside sheep in modern figurines, with his stiff legs humorously exaggerated.
• In some regions, children leave out bowls of milk in the hopes of seeing if Stekkjastaur will visit during the night (though he rarely succeeds in getting any).
• He has become a popular subject for Icelandic cartoonists, who often portray him in exaggerated poses, attempting all sorts of tricks to steal milk, including building contraptions to make up for his stiff legs.

Astrological Sign: Capricorn

Stekkjastaur’s persistence and determination align well with the astrological sign Capricorn. Capricorns are known for their ambition and hard work, much like Stekkjastaur’s repeated efforts to harass sheep despite his stiff legs. His slow and steady nature reflects the grounded, practical side of Capricorn, as he continues to try, year after year, to achieve his goal.

Cultural Significance

Stekkjastaur, like his brothers, represents both the playful and harsh sides of Icelandic winter traditions. His character draws attention to the challenges faced by farmers during the long, cold months, while adding a humorous twist to the season. His persistence, despite his physical limitations, can be seen as a reflection of Icelandic resilience in the face of adversity.

Stekkjastaur’s antics remind us of the balance between the hardships of Icelandic life and the joy that can be found in even the simplest of pranks.