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Yule Lads

The Yule Lads, or Yulemen, (jólasveinarnir) are figures from Icelandic folklore who in modern times have become the Icelandic vector of Santa Claus. Their number has varied throughout the ages, but currently there are considered to be thirteen.

Origins

The Yule Lads originate from Icelandic folklore. Early on their number and depictions varied greatly depending on location with each individual Lad ranging from mere pranksters to homicidal monsters.

In 1932 the poem "Jólasveinarnir" was published as a part of the popular poetry book "Jólin Koma" (e. Christmass arrives) by Icelandic poet Jóhannes úr Kötlum. The poem reintroduced Icelandic society to Icelandic Yuletide folklore and established what is now considered the 'official' thirteen Yule Lads, their personalities and connection to other folkloric characters.

Modern Depictions

The Yule Lads were originally portrayed as being mischievous, or even criminal, pranksters that would steal from, or in other way harass the population (at the time mostly rural farmers). They all had descriptive names that conveyed their modus operandi.

The Yule Lads are traditionally said to be the sons of the mountain-dwelling trolls Grýla and Leppalúði. Additionally, the Yule Lads are often depicted with the Yuletide Cat, a beast that, according to folklore, eats children that don't receive new clothes in time for Christmas.

In modern times the Yule Lads have been depicted as taking on a more benevolent role comparable to Santa Claus and other related figures and putting small gifts (or potatoes if the child has misbehaved) into shoes placed by children into their windows the last thirteen nights before Christmas Eve. They are occasionally depicted as wearing the costume traditionally worn by Santa Claus, but are otherwise generally shown wearing late medieval style Icelandic clothing.

List of Yule Lads

The Yule lads are said to "come to town" during the last 13 nights before Christmas, each staying for two weeks before departing. Below are the 'official' thirteen Yule Lads in the order they arrive (and depart).

Names in English are based on Hallberg Hallmundsson's translation of the poem

Icelandic Name	English translation	Description	Arrival	Departure
Stekkjastaur	Sheep-Cote Clod	Harasses sheep, but is impaired by his stiff legs.	December 12	December 25
Giljagaur	Gully Gawk	Hides in gullys, waiting for an opportunity to sneak into the cowshed and steal milk.	December 13	December 26
Stúfur	Stubby	Abnormally short. Steals pans to eat the crust left on them.	December 14	December 27
Þvörusleikir	Spoon-Licker	Steals Þvörur (a type of a wooden spoon with a long handle) to lick. Is extremely thin due to malnutrition.	December 15	December 28
Pottaskefill	Pot-Scraper	Steals leftovers from pots.	December 16	December 29
Askasleikir	Bowl-Licker	Hides under beds waiting for someone to put down their 'askur' (a type of bowl with a lid used instead of dishes), which he then steals.	December 17	December 30
Hurðaskellir	Door-Slammer	Likes to slam doors, especially during the night.	December 18	December 31
Skyrgámur	Skyr-Gobbler	A Yule Lad with an affinity for skyr.	December 19	January 1
Bjúgnakrækir	Sausage-Swiper	Would hide in the rafters and snatch sausages that were being smoked.	December 20	January 2
Gluggagægir	Window-Peeper	A voyeur who would look through windows in search of things to steal.	December 21	January 3
Gáttaþefur	Door-Sniffer	Has an abnormally large nose and an accute sense of smell which he uses to locate laufabrauð.	December 22	January 4
Ketkrókur	Meat-Hook	Uses a hook to steal meat.	December 23	January 5
Kertasníkir	Candle-Beggar	Follows children in order to steal their candles (which in those days was made of dripping and thus edible).	December 24	January 6