Iceland review - 2012, Page 29

ICELAND REVIEW 27
hot-Spring bird
although classified as an ‘air monster’ (as opposed to a ‘water
monster’ and a ‘land monster’), the hot-spring bird (hverafugl)
is actually rather cute. these extraordinary creatures have been
spotted in geothermal areas and were first mentioned in a written
source, Islandia by german preacher and geographer dithmar
Blefken, published in 1607 about his trip to iceland in 1563. he
described the birds as reddish ducks that swam around in boiling
pools before diving into them. other witnesses describe the birds as
black, gray or dark brown, being the size of crows or built like small
ducks. their feathers are said to be short and as densely packed
as on penguins. special characteristics include a bony feather on
the wings and a large flap-like middle claw on the feet to improve
swimming capabilities. While underwater, the bird is believed to draw
its feet and wings into a dense plumage to insulate itself from the
hot water, resembling a balloon.
ghoul Cat
generally thought to be born as regular cats, ghoul cats (urðarköttur)
grow to become wild and vicious—some as large as bulls—and attack
sheep or even humans. described as shaggy, either all white or all black,
they can be recognized by an undershot lower jaw. in north iceland
around 1870 white kittens were killed at birth to prevent them from
turning into ghoul cats. Kittens not born blind were also considered
suspect.
the worst ghoul cats of all would dig themselves into churchyards
three days after birth and feed on corpses for three years. then they
reemerged, transformed into malicious monsters that could only be killed
with silver bullets or buttons, or mirrors, as their stare was fatal.
the most famous ghoul cat and the only one kept as a pet, is the
yule Cat (Jólakötturinn). the beast belongs to the ogress grýla, the
mother of the 13 yule lads, who come to town with treats for children
in the yuletide. grýla, however, would rather have the kiddies for dinner,
and, according to legend, the monstrous cat feeds upon children who
don’t receive any new pieces of clothing in the lead-up to Christmas.
fOLkLORE