Þvörusleikir - Spoon Licker

“Þvörusleikir, with his long, lanky frame, would sneak into kitchens to find spoons, savoring even the smallest trace of food left on them.”

– Jóhannes úr Kötlum, Jólin Koma, 1932

Introduction

Þvörusleikir, or Spoon Licker, is the fourth Yule Lad to arrive, making his appearance on December 15th. Known for his unusually long tongue and his love of licking wooden spoons clean, Spoon Licker sneaks into kitchens whenever the opportunity presents itself. While his pranks are harmless, his antics often leave households wondering where all their kitchen utensils have disappeared to. Despite his odd obsession, Spoon Licker’s mischief is more playful than malicious, adding to the fun and charm of the Yule Lad tradition.

Historical Background and Earliest Known Reference

Þvörusleikir’s earliest mentions date back to the 17th century, much like his brothers, when the Yule Lads were depicted as more troublesome creatures. In the oldest stories, he was described as a lanky, troll-like figure who would hide in kitchens waiting for the perfect moment to snatch up any wooden spoons left unattended. These spoons, known as “þvörur,” were traditional Icelandic utensils used for stirring porridge or other foods.

Over the centuries, as the Yule Lads’ image evolved, so did Spoon Licker’s character. By the 19th century, he was no longer feared but seen as a strange yet amusing prankster. His focus on wooden spoons, while still peculiar, became more of an endearing trait, making him one of the more memorable Yule Lads in modern Icelandic Christmas folklore.

Physical Appearance and Clothing

Þvörusleikir is usually portrayed as a tall, thin figure with an exceptionally long tongue. His lanky appearance is often exaggerated, with his long limbs and gaunt frame reflecting his constant search for spoons to lick clean. His most notable feature, of course, is his tongue, which is said to be long enough to reach the bottom of even the deepest spoons, leaving them spotless.

Like his brothers, Spoon Licker wears traditional Icelandic peasant clothing, consisting of a woolen tunic and trousers, paired with sturdy boots. His clothing is often depicted as a bit ragged, reflecting his odd habits and focus on scavenging food remnants rather than tending to his appearance.

Likes, Dislikes, and Habits

Spoon Licker’s greatest love is, unsurprisingly, wooden spoons. He specifically targets spoons that have been used to stir food, particularly porridge or other thick dishes that leave remnants behind. His obsession with licking spoons clean is what defines his character, and he is often found lurking near kitchens, waiting for the perfect moment to steal a spoon.

He dislikes homes where people meticulously clean their utensils, as it leaves him with nothing to lick. In particular, Spoon Licker avoids households where spoons are washed immediately after use, as it ruins his chance of finding any food left on them. His patience, however, allows him to wait for the moment when someone forgets to clean up, giving him his opportunity to swoop in.

Types of Pranks and Mischief

Þvörusleikir’s pranks are centered entirely around his love for spoons. He sneaks into kitchens at night, looking for wooden spoons that have been used to stir food. Once he finds one, he uses his long tongue to lick the spoon clean, often leaving it in the same place, albeit spotless. His mischief is relatively harmless, though families often find themselves confused when they discover that their spoons have been mysteriously cleaned without anyone doing the washing.

His pranks are less about causing chaos and more about satisfying his own peculiar cravings. Unlike some of his noisier brothers, Spoon Licker’s antics are quiet, and his presence often goes unnoticed until the next morning.

Relationship with Humans and Other Yule Lads

Spoon Licker’s relationship with humans has always been fairly benign. While he does steal spoons, his actions are more humorous than harmful. Families often laugh at his strange habits, and in modern times, he is seen as one of the more harmless Yule Lads. His pranks add a touch of mystery to the holiday season, but they never cause serious trouble.

Among his brothers, Spoon Licker’s peculiar obsession with spoons sets him apart. He is particularly close to Pot Licker (Pottasleikir) and Bowl Licker (Askasleikir), as the three share a love of finding leftover food in kitchen utensils. Together, they are often depicted as a trio of food scavengers, each with their own unique way of stealing scraps.

Modern Depictions and Popularity

In modern Icelandic Christmas celebrations, Þvörusleikir is a well-known figure, particularly among children. His strange yet amusing habit of licking spoons clean makes him a popular character in children’s books, holiday decorations, and even figurines. His long, exaggerated tongue is often highlighted in these depictions, making him one of the more visually distinctive Yule Lads.

Spoon Licker is also a frequent character in holiday parades and events in Iceland, where his odd pranks are played up for comedic effect. His harmless nature and focus on kitchen utensils make him a fan favorite during the Yule season.

Fun Facts and Trivia

• Þvörusleikir’s name, meaning “Spoon Licker,” directly refers to his peculiar habit of licking wooden spoons clean, particularly those used to stir porridge or other thick dishes.
• In some modern depictions, Spoon Licker is portrayed as a comically lanky figure with an impossibly long tongue, adding to the humor of his character.
• Despite his odd habits, Þvörusleikir is often seen as one of the more harmless Yule Lads, and his pranks are more amusing than disruptive.

Astrological Sign: Pisces

Spoon Licker’s dreamy, almost detached nature fits well with the traits of Pisces. Pisces are known for their love of small, quiet pleasures and their ability to find joy in simple things, much like Spoon Licker’s fascination with spoons. His quiet, unobtrusive way of slipping into kitchens and finding delight in something as small as a wooden spoon reflects the imaginative and whimsical side of Pisces, making this sign a perfect match for his personality.

Cultural Significance

Þvörusleikir’s obsession with spoons, while strange, reflects the resourcefulness often found in Icelandic households, where every last bit of food was used. His pranks remind us of a time when nothing was wasted, and even the smallest remnants were treasured.

Spoon Licker’s quirky character adds a touch of whimsy to the Yule Lad tradition, making him a beloved figure in Icelandic folklore.