Atlantica - 01.11.2000, Qupperneq 37

The phrase “naughty or nice” can take on a menacing
meaning around Christmas time in Iceland. The ques-
tion is not whether children will get presents or not, but
rather will they end up in Grýla’s pot.
Even with modern lights intruding in every corner, it is
still easy to imagine how, during the long dark winter
nights of centuries past, tales of trolls and supernatural
beings came to life so vividly. Grýla, probably the most
horrifying monster of them all, is first mentioned in writ-
ing in the 13th century as a creature with 15 tails. Three
hundred years later she still has 15 tails, but on each are
100 bags, with 20 children in every sack... This is still
found in a popular children’s book of lullabies.
Most of the stories told about Grýla were to frighten
children – her favourite dish was a stew of naughty kids
and she had an insatiable appetite. The ogress was not
directly linked to Christmas until the 17th century. By that
time she had become the mother of the roguish band of
so-called Yuletide Lads. Such was the power of the terri-
fying creature and her offspring that a public decree was
issued in 1746 prohibiting the use of Grýla and the
Yuletide Lads to terrify children.
A COLOURFUL FAMILY
According to old tales, Grýla was married three times. Her
first two husbands, Gustur and Boli, were no match
against Grýla and, for that matter, neither was the third
one, Leppalúdi. Resilient, nonetheless, he still hangs on,
living with her in their cave in the mountains with the big
black Christmas cat, yet another child abuser and abduc-
tor. The huge cat goes after the kids that get no new
clothes for the holidays.
Through his studies, folklorist Árni Björnsson has dis-
covered the names of 72 children who are attributed to
Grýla. Prolific and fertile, she most likely had more. In
addition to the 13 Yuletide Lads, the four best known are
Leppur, Skreppur, Langleggur and Leidindaskjóda. Several
different versions have been recorded of Grýla’s family and
it was not until the publication of folk tales collected by Jón
Árnason in 1862 that the number of Yuletide Lads was set at
13 (some still swear by nine).
During the 19th century, the Lads and even their hideous
mother saw a gradual improvement in their image. From
child snatchers they developed into thieving tricksters who
descended from the mountains one by one during the thir-
teen days before Christmas. Each of the lads has a name
which identifies his mischievous character: Stekkjastaur
(Sheepfold-stick), Giljagaur (Gulley-oaf), Stúfur (Shorty),
Thvörusleikir (Spoon-licker), Pottasleikir (Pot-licker),
Askasleikir (Bowl-licker), Hurdaskellir (Door-slammer),
Skyrgámur (Curd-glutton), Bjúgnakrækir (Sausage-pilferer),
Gluggagægir (Peeping-Tom), Gáttathefur (Sniffer),
Kjötkrókur (Meat-hook) and Kertasníkir (Candle-beggar).
THE SANITISED VERSION
The idea of a stout Santa clad in red and bestowing gifts
worked its way to Iceland at the turn of this century. The
Lads were basically reformed and they changed their outfits
from natural, to red and white, woollens . Nonetheless, they
retained their old names and their mother remained as ugly
as ever. The custom of their placing a small gift in children’s
shoes became common around the middle of the century,
and is actually an excellent way to make kids behave during
the hectic days leading up to Christmas. After all, nobody
wants a piece of rock or an old potato in their shoe.
Today, poor Grýla has been reduced to a grumpy, old,
albeit grotesque, woman. Long gone are the days of glory
when just her name sent kids shivering under their beds.
Instead she has to support and care for her lazy husband
Leppalúdi, while trying to raise her 13 unruly Lads.
A T L A N T I C A 35
Getting Even With Grýla
A TASTE OF TRADITION
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