History of the Yule Lads

The Jólasveinar

The Yule Lads, or *Jólasveinar* as they are known in Icelandic, are a central part of Icelandic Christmas folklore, representing both the playful and mischievous side of the holiday season. Their history dates back hundreds of years, deeply intertwined with Iceland’s unique blend of Norse mythology, pagan customs, and later Christian influences. The Yule Lads have evolved dramatically over time, from fearsome figures who terrorized communities to beloved characters who embody the festive spirit of Iceland’s Christmas celebrations today.

“Grýla, with her giant sack, would come from the mountains to collect those children who misbehaved, a figure of punishment in the bleak midwinter.”
(Jólasveinar – Legends of the Yule Lads, Árnason, 1862).

The Origins of the Yule Lads

The earliest depictions of the Yule Lads were far from the playful gift-bringers we know today. They were originally part of Iceland’s dark folklore, tied to the long, cold winter nights and the scarcity of food that characterized the season. These early Yule Lads were portrayed as dangerous trolls or ogres who lived in the mountains and would descend upon villages to cause trouble for humans.

The Yule Lads were particularly feared for their association with Grýla, their terrifying mother. Grýla is a monstrous figure in Icelandic mythology who, along with her equally fearsome husband Leppalúði, was believed to feast on misbehaving children. Grýla’s legend, like that of the Yule Lads, goes back to the Middle Ages, with some accounts dating to the 13th century. Originally, Grýla was an independent figure unconnected to Christmas, but over time, her story was linked with the Yule Lads, and she became their menacing matriarch.

According to legend, Grýla would come down from her mountain cave to gather children who had been naughty throughout the year, putting them in her sack and taking them back to her cave to cook them into a stew. Her role as the mother of the Yule Lads added to the fear and mystery surrounding them, as they were seen as extensions of her evil deeds.

The Yule Lads’ Early Reputation

In the early folklore, the Yule Lads were notorious for their troublesome behavior. Each Yule Lad had a distinct personality based on specific pranks they played on the villagers. These pranks were often tied to the hardships of winter in Iceland, particularly the lack of food and the cold, dark days.

For example, one of the most famous Yule Lads, Skyrgámur (Skyr Gobbler), was known for stealing *skyr*, a traditional Icelandic dairy product. Other Yule Lads had similarly mischievous roles: Stúfur (Stubby) would steal pans to eat the leftover food stuck to them, Þvörusleikir (Spoon Licker) would lick spoons clean, and Hurðaskellir (Door Slammer) delighted in slamming doors in the middle of the night, scaring people out of their sleep.

The Yule Lads were not only seen as mischievous pranksters but also as figures that could cause real harm if not appeased. Parents would warn their children to behave well during the winter season, particularly in the days leading up to Christmas, or risk being targeted by the Yule Lads. It was a way to instill discipline, with the Yule Lads serving as both a moral lesson and a symbol of the harshness of winter.

The Transition to Christmas Figures

The Yule Lads began to transition from fearsome figures to more benign Christmas characters in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This shift coincided with the increasing Christianization of Icelandic culture, as well as the influence of international Christmas traditions, such as those of Santa Claus.

“These are not the dark ogres from the mountains that our ancestors feared. They are curious, playful, and a bit silly, coming down to see how people live, bringing both mischief and laughter.“
(Jólin Koma, Jóhannes úr Kötlum, 1932).

In the 18th century, the Danish government, which ruled over Iceland at the time, issued a decree banning the use of the Yule Lads and Grýla to scare children. This marked the beginning of the Yule Lads’ evolution from child-terrorizing trolls into more festive, playful figures. By the late 19th century, the Yule Lads had begun to resemble something closer to the modern version of Santa Claus, albeit with their own Icelandic twist.

The definitive shift in the Yule Lads’ portrayal came in the early 20th century, largely thanks to the work of Icelandic poet Jóhannes úr Kötlum, who published a collection of poems titled *Jólin Koma* (Christmas is Coming) in 1932. In this collection, Jóhannes presented the Yule Lads as lovable, mischievous figures who brought gifts to well-behaved children, much like Santa Claus. His poems assigned specific characteristics to each of the 13 Yule Lads, detailing their distinct personalities and the pranks they played, but in a more humorous and lighthearted way than earlier folklore.

The Modern Yule Lads

Today, the Yule Lads are an essential part of Icelandic Christmas celebrations. Starting on December 12th, the Yule Lads descend from their mountain home one by one, with each taking a turn to visit children. They continue to arrive until December 24th, Christmas Eve, and then depart in the same order, one by one, until January 6th, which marks the end of the Christmas season in Iceland.

Modern Icelandic children leave a shoe in their window each night for the Yule Lads. If the child has been good, they will wake up to find a small gift in their shoe, typically a sweet or toy. However, if the child has been naughty, they will find a potato instead. This tradition blends the playful mischief of the Yule Lads with the moral lessons they once embodied, albeit in a much less threatening way than in the past.

The Yule Lads each retain their unique personalities, as described in Jóhannes úr Kötlum’s poems, but their pranks are now seen as harmless fun rather than ominous threats. The following are the 13 Yule Lads, listed in the order in which they arrive during the Christmas season:

1. Stekkjastaur (Sheep-Cote Clod) – Known for harassing sheep, but his stiff legs make this difficult.
2. Giljagaur (Gully Gawk) – Hides in gullies, waiting to sneak into barns to steal milk.
3. Stúfur (Stubby) – A short and stubby lad who steals pans to eat the crusts left behind.
4. Þvörusleikir (Spoon Licker) – Known for stealing wooden spoons to lick them clean.
5. Pottasleikir (Pot Licker) – Steals leftovers from pots.
6. Askasleikir (Bowl Licker) – Hides under beds and steals bowls of food.
7. Hurðaskellir (Door Slammer) – Loves to slam doors, especially during the night.
8. Skyrgámur (Skyr Gobbler) – Steals skyr, a traditional Icelandic yogurt-like dairy product.
9. Bjúgnakrækir (Sausage Swiper) – Known for stealing sausages.
10. Gluggagægir (Window Peeper) – Peeks through windows looking for things to steal.
11. Gáttaþefur (Doorway Sniffer) – Uses his large nose to sniff out baked goods.
12. Ketkrókur (Meat Hook) – Uses a hook to steal meat, especially smoked lamb.
13. Kertasníkir (Candle Beggar) – Follows children in order to steal their candles, which were once made of tallow and edible.

These days, the Yule Lads are beloved characters who bring joy and excitement to Icelandic children, marking the countdown to Christmas with a sense of anticipation and fun. They also play a central role in holiday decorations, stories, and even marketing, becoming a symbol of Icelandic Christmas that blends the country’s unique folklore with the global celebration of Christmas.

The Role of Grýla and the Yule Cat

Although the Yule Lads have softened over time, their mother Grýla retains her fearsome reputation. She is still considered a monstrous figure who punishes naughty children, though she is much less prominent in modern Icelandic Christmas traditions. Grýla’s legacy lives on, particularly in the stories told to children, but she no longer plays as central a role in Icelandic holiday celebrations as she once did.

“She devours the disobedient, and her hunger is never-ending,”
(Icelandic Legends, Jón Árnason, 1862).

Another figure who remains part of the Yule Lads’ lore is the Yule Cat, or *Jólakötturinn*. This giant, fearsome cat is said to roam the countryside during Christmas, looking for people who have not received new clothes to wear for the holiday. According to legend, anyone who did not receive new clothing would be devoured by the Yule Cat. Like Grýla, the Yule Cat represents the darker side of Icelandic Christmas traditions, though it is now more of a symbolic figure than a literal threat.

The Yule Lads in Popular Culture

In recent years, the Yule Lads have gained increasing popularity beyond Iceland. They have been featured in various forms of media, from children’s books to holiday markets, and have even become part of Iceland’s tourism industry. Tourists visiting Iceland during the holiday season can see Yule Lad decorations, buy Yule Lad-themed souvenirs, and learn about the history of these fascinating figures.

The Yule Lads represent a unique blend of Icelandic history, folklore, and modern Christmas traditions. Their evolution from fearsome trolls to beloved holiday characters reflects Iceland’s cultural development, as well as the ways in which the country’s traditions have been adapted to fit the global celebration of Christmas. Despite their transformation, the Yule Lads remain a cherished part of Iceland’s holiday season, embodying both the playful mischief and the warmth of Christmas.