Stúfur - Stubby

“Stúfur, short but quick, darted around the kitchen, always managing to reach the pots left unattended, licking them clean in a flash.”

– Jóhannes úr Kötlum, Jólin Koma, 1932

Introduction

Stúfur, also known as Stubby, is the third Yule Lad to descend from the mountains, arriving on December 14th. True to his name, he is the smallest of the 13 brothers, but his size doesn’t stop him from causing trouble in the kitchens of Icelandic households. Stúfur’s main joy in life is scraping the leftover food from pots and pans, leaving them spotless in his wake. His small stature and sneaky nature allow him to slip in and out of kitchens with ease, but his pranks are always harmless, making him one of the more endearing Yule Lads.

Historical Background and Earliest Known Reference

Stúfur has appeared in Icelandic folklore for centuries, his character first emerging in the same period as his brothers in the 17th century. Like the other Yule Lads, his role in early stories was more sinister, as he was seen as a household nuisance who would sneak into homes and steal food. His diminutive size, however, made him a less threatening figure than his larger and more aggressive brothers. In older texts, he was often portrayed as a crafty troll who relied on his small frame to sneak into homes unnoticed.

As with the other Yule Lads, Stúfur’s image softened in the 19th and 20th centuries. By the time Jóhannes úr Kötlum wrote about him in Jólin Koma (1932), Stúfur had become a playful figure, more mischievous than menacing. His love of cleaning out pots and pans, while still a prank, was depicted as amusing rather than harmful, making him a favorite among children.

Physical Appearance and Clothing

Stúfur is easily recognized by his small size, being the shortest of all the Yule Lads. His nickname, “Stubby,” reflects his height, which is often exaggerated in stories and illustrations to emphasize how he stands out among his taller brothers. Despite his size, he is portrayed as a determined character, always ready to find a pot to scrape clean.

Stúfur wears simple, traditional Icelandic peasant clothing, similar to his brothers. His tunic, trousers, and woolen cap are usually depicted in earth tones, reflecting the humble and practical attire of the time. His clothing is often a bit oversized, adding a humorous element to his appearance, as he scurries around kitchens looking for leftover scraps.

Likes, Dislikes, and Habits

Stúfur’s greatest joy is scraping pots and pans clean. He loves finding the smallest bits of leftover food, especially the crusts that stick to the bottom of cooking pots. His keen eye for finding even the tiniest scraps makes him a kitchen dweller, always lurking in the shadows waiting for a meal to be finished so he can swoop in.

Stúfur dislikes spotless kitchens and well-cleaned pots, as they leave him with nothing to scrape. He also avoids homes where people keep their food covered, as it makes it harder for him to find his precious leftovers. His small stature makes him quick and nimble, allowing him to slip in and out unnoticed, though he can sometimes be frustrated by his height when trying to reach pots placed on high shelves.

Types of Pranks and Mischief

Stúfur’s pranks are centered around his obsession with food remnants. After a meal has been eaten, he sneaks into kitchens to scrape the crusts from pots and pans. His pranks are relatively harmless, though they can leave families puzzled when they find their pots mysteriously cleaned out. Unlike some of his brothers who prefer noisy or destructive antics, Stúfur’s mischief is quiet and often unnoticed until the next morning.

His small size also allows him to hide easily, making it difficult for anyone to catch him in the act. His pranks are less about causing chaos and more about satisfying his own love for scavenging food, which makes him one of the more benign Yule Lads.

Relationship with Humans and Other Yule Lads

Stúfur’s relationship with humans is more neutral than that of some of his more troublesome brothers. While he does steal food remnants, his actions are often seen as harmless and even a little endearing. In modern times, he is more likely to be viewed with affection than fear, as his small size and innocent pranks make him a less intimidating figure.

Among the Yule Lads, Stúfur’s small stature is a source of humor, and he is often seen as the underdog. His brothers occasionally tease him for his size, but Stúfur’s resourcefulness allows him to hold his own. He gets along well with his brothers, especially those who share his love of food, like Spoon Licker and Pot Licker, with whom he sometimes teams up in the kitchen.

Modern Depictions and Popularity

In modern Icelandic Christmas celebrations, Stúfur is one of the more popular Yule Lads, especially with children. His small size and relatively harmless pranks make him a favorite in children’s books, cartoons, and figurines. He is often depicted with a mischievous grin, holding a pot or pan as he searches for scraps.

Stúfur is also featured in many holiday decorations, often in sets with his brothers. His endearing personality and amusing antics have made him a standout character during the Yule season. In some towns, he is depicted in holiday parades and events, where his small size is exaggerated to create a humorous effect.

Fun Facts and Trivia

• Stúfur’s name, meaning “Stubby” or “Shorty,” comes from his small stature, which is a defining characteristic in all versions of his story.
• In some versions of the Yule Lads’ folklore, Stúfur is portrayed as a particularly sneaky character, able to crawl into tight spaces to find hidden pots and pans.
• In recent years, Stúfur has become a popular figure in Icelandic holiday merchandise, with his image appearing on everything from Christmas cards to ornaments.

Astrological Sign: Virgo

Stúfur’s meticulous attention to detail and love of cleaning out pots align with the traits of Virgo. Known for their practicality and attention to cleanliness, Virgos have an eye for detail that fits Stúfur’s knack for finding even the smallest scraps of food. His focus on keeping the pots spotless reflects the Virgo tendency to maintain order and cleanliness, making this sign a fitting match for his personality.

Cultural Significance

Stúfur, with his focus on food scraps and his tiny size, represents the resourcefulness that was necessary in traditional Icelandic households. His pranks, while playful, remind us of the importance of using every last bit of food during the harsh winter months.

Stúfur’s role in Icelandic folklore highlights the balance between mischief and practicality, making him a beloved figure in the Yule Lad tradition.