bits and pieces from the northern island.
Yes, it’s that time of the year again. Christmas/Yule is approaching fast and snow and weather is helping to create just the right atmosphere. Yule is one of the biggest things in Iceland, although perhaps differently from what you would expect. In Iceland, Yule has still a lot to do with tradition. People of course … Read the full article →
Last but not least! Kertasníkir (Candle Beggar) arrives just in time for Christmas celebrations, on December 24. Be careful: this Lad is perhaps one of the wickedest of the gang. The thirteenth was Candle Beggar – ’twas cold, I believe, if he was not the last of the lot on Christmas Eve. He trailed after … Read the full article →
Another Yule Lad, another story of gluttony. Oh boy, aren’t these dudes a little repetitive? This time is Ketkrókur’s (Meat Hook) turn. He comes down from the mountains on December 23, Saint Thorlak’s Day. Meat Hook, the twelfth one, his talent would display as soon as he arrived on Saint Thorlak’s Day. He snagged himself … Read the full article →
Gáttaþefur (Door Sniffer) is a big-nosed fellow that, instead of developing a nose complex and turning to rhinoplasty, used his protuberance to his own advantage. Eleventh was Door Sniffer, a doltish lad and gross. He never got a cold, yet had a huge, sensitive nose. He caught the scent of lace bread while leagues away … Read the full article →
Gluggagægir (Window Peeper) is the tenth Yule Lad in the list. He’s one of my faves too. Maybe he actually is the Lad I like the most. The tenth was Window Peeper, a weird little twit, who stepped up to the window and stole a peek through it. And whatever was inside to which his eye … Read the full article →
In contrast with Skyrgámur‘s habit of eating tons of healthy skyr, Bjúgnakrækir (Sausage Swiper), the Yule Lad arriving on the 20th night of December, prefers his snacks high in cholesterol. Nobody knows exactly what his preference is: rumors say he will ravenously eat all kinds of sausages, without any exception. His appetite can make him … Read the full article →
On December 19, Skyrgámur (Skyr Gobbler) comes down from the mountains to have his fill of fun. And not fun only! Skyr Gobbler, the eighth, was an awful stupid bloke. He lambasted the skyr tub till the lid on it broke. Then he stood there gobbling – his greed was well known – until, about … Read the full article →
Hurðaskellir (Door Slammer) is a peculiar Yule Lad and much more of a prankster than most of his brothers. He doesn’t care much for food, but he’s got the obsessive addiction of door-slamming. No door is safe when this crazy rascal is around. The louder the noise, the better – and just to be sure, … Read the full article →