There's a rumbling in the Icelandic mountains.
Grýla has awoken and she is not happy. She's about to set Jólakötturinn loose to hunt down unfortunate children who haven't received any new clothes. Leppalúði looks on, slightly in fear of the Yule cat.
Her offspring, the Yule Lads, will begin to make their appearances in mid December.
There were rumblings coming from the mountains recently and we thought they were waking. Indeed they were.
The first Yule Lad, Stekkjarstaur, has arrived. The other 12 will follow over the next 12 days.
Giljagaur has arrived this morning. He’s looking out for milk in the barns that he can steal.
#YuleLadsThis morning sees the appearance of Stúfur alongside his brothers.
If you leave pans out he’ll steal them for the food baked to the bottoms and brims.
#YuleLadsÞvörusleikir has joined the others today. He’ll hunt down all your spoons and lick them for nourishment.
#YuleLadsThis morning Pottaskefill has come down from the mountain to steal pots and lick them clean.
#YuleLadsToday, Askasleikir (or Bowl Licker) has arrived to join the others. He’ll go and hide under beds awaiting the wooden food bowls placed on the floor.
#YuleLadsHurðaskellir has turned up and started banging the doors around the house.
#YuleLadsQuick, hide the yoghurt because Skyrgámur has appeared this morning and he’ll try and gobble it all up if he finds any Skyr.
#YuleLads
Simon Widdowson
