Yule Lads – The 13 Santa Clauses from Iceland

The Icelandic Yule Lads have little resemblance to the famous Santa Claus. The Icelandic Yule Lads are descended from trolls and their original role was to strike fear in the hearts of children. The thirteen brothers are the sons of two of the most hideous ogres ever known in Iceland, Grýla and Leppalúði.

There is no doubt that most children would have wanted to avoid the Icelandic Yule Lads in the old days, since they were used by parents to frighten their children into behaving.

In the 20th century, the Icelandic Yule Lads tradition changed and was strongly influenced by their foreign colleagues, both in terms of conduct and appearance. They began wearing red garments on special occasions, similar to the Santa Claus. They also developed an unprecedented kindness towards children.

Even though the Yule Lads took on the role of Santa Claus and began bringing gifts to children their number stayed unchanged (13). Icelandic children place a shoe in their bedroom window each evening in the 13 days before Christmas. Every night one Yuletide lad visits, leaving sweets and small gifts or rotting potatoes, depending on how that particular child has behaved on the preceding day.

Icelanders are proud of the Yule Lads folklore so their names have stayed the same over the years. Their names are all originally described with their motive.

Listed in the order in which they appear in town:

1. Stekkjastaur, Stiff legs or Sheep-Cote Clod: Has long, stiff legs, and steals milk by suckling farmers’ ewes,

2. Giljagaur, Gully Gawk: Hides in gullies above town, then steals milk from cowsheds

3. Stúfur, Stubby: Small and short, steals pots and pans and eats leftovers.

4. Þvörusleikir, Spoon Licker: Portrayed as long and thin. Steals unwashed spoons, which he licks clean.

5. Pottaskefill, Pot Scraper: Steals unwashed pots, and licks them clean.

6. Askasleikir, Bowl Licker: Steals unattended food bowls which he then licks clean.

7. Hurðaskellir, Door Slammer: Slams doors which are kept ajar at night, keeping people awake.

8. Skyrgámur, Skyr Gobbler: Steals skyr from the pantry.

9. Bjúgnakrækir, Sausage Swiper: Hides in the rafters to snatch sausages which are hung up for smoking.

10. Gluggagægir, Window Peeper: Lies outside the house, peeking through windows,

11. Gáttaþefur, Door Sniffer: Has a huge nose to sniff out where people are baking, then steals cakes and cookies.

12. Ketkrókur, Meat Hook: Steals meat, Hangikjöt, using a long hook.

13. Kertasníkir, Candle Beggar: Steals candles from children.