Beast of the Week: The Yule Family

With Christmas lurking just around the corner, all the little eyes will be watching the skies for the jolly fat man in his sleigh. Those eight gorgeous reindeer, the red-nosed one leading the herd as they spin and spiral through the stars, spreading delight across the planet. Inside, fires crackle, families and friends gather around trees and lights and presents, feasting on food and drink, and watching classic Christmas films such as A Christmas Story, The Polar Express, or Die Hard. 

But not every family is engaged in such jovial merriment. Some families thrive on naughtiness and chaos. This week’s Beast of the Week is not a single creature, but rather a family that celebrates Christmas with their own style debauchery. Allow me to introduce you to this very special family that originated in Icelandic folklore in the 17^th century.

Gryla:

This bitch. Originally depicted as a giantess troll in 13^th century folklore, Gryla wasn’t connected to the Yule season until the 17^th century. She is huge, hideous, and often described as parasitic. She lives in a cave in the mountains, taking stock of which children misbehave during the year. Then, around Yule, she emerges from her cave and comes to the villages to collect the naughty children in her sack. With the sack slung over her shoulder, she returns to her cave and cooks the children into a stew, which she devours with her bare hands.  

Leppalúði:

This ass is Gryla’s third and present husband. He’s lazy and fat and literally does nothing. He lumps around the cave, waiting for Gryla to bring home the ingredients for their stew. 

The Yule Cat:

Yep. This odd couple has a pet. Little mittens isn’t an adorable cuddler that like to play with yarn, though. The Yule Cat, Jólakötturinn, is massive and full of rage. He comes out at Yule time, lurks around the countryside, and eats anyone who has not received new clothes for Christmas. This legend is thought to have originated as a cautionary tale to get farmers to finish processing their autumn wool. 

The Yule Lads:

Sons of Gryla. These thirteen fellows are nasties that like to prank people and cause general trouble around the Christmas season. Each is identified by the stunt they pull. For example, one is known as The Spoonlicker—this dude sneaks into houses and licks all the spoons. Then there’s the Window Peeper—cover your tatas, ladies. Here is a list of the lads in all their glory, along with their nicknames that allude to their behaviour of choice. 

Stekkjarstaur: The Sheep Cote-Clod

Giljagaur: The Gully Gawk

Stúfur: Stubby

Þvörusleikir: Spoon-licker

Pottaskefill: Pot-scraper

Askasleikir: Bowl-licker

Hurðaskellir: Door-slammer

Skyrgámur: Yogurt-gobbler

Bjúgnakrækir: Sausage-Swiper

Gluggagægir: Window-peeper

Gáttaþefur: Doorway-sniffer

Ketkrókur: Meat-hook

Kertasníkir: Candle-stealer

So although family time at Christmas might stress you out, just be thankful that you aren’t a member of this dysfunctional Yule family. Though those boys sound like they might be a bit of fun after a few drinks…