Contributor(s): Author: Heidi Herman The Legend of the Yule Lads is well-known among Icelanders and has been passed down from generation to generation for over 1,500 years.
Askasleikir (Bowl-licker) arrives next and sneak awa.
Stufur (Shorty) steals bits of food left on frying pans while Thvorusleikir (Spoon-licker) steals spoons from the kitchen to lick and Pottasleikir (Pot-licker) steals pots and pans for the leftovers.
Giljagaur (Gulley-Gawk) arrives the next day and is preoccupied with sneaking into the barn to steal cow\'s milk.
Stekkjastaur (Sheep Cote Clod) starts things off on December 12th and is best known for stealing sheep\'s milk.
As presented in Johannes poem, each of the Yule Lad\'s name reflects their particular brand of mischief.
In 1932, a popular poem was written about the JolasveinarnirYule Lads] by Johannes from Kotlum and it first appeared in the book Jolin KomaChristmas is coming].
They stay through Christmas Day, then leave, one each day, in the order they arrived.
As the Legend goes, the Yule Lads come down from the mountain, one each day starting 13 days before Christmas.
In the years since, the Yule Lads\' character has been softened from horrible trolls to mischievous tricksters.
The tales of Gryla and the Yule Lads became so gruesome and disturbing that in 1746 a public decree was issued to forbid parents from using these stories to terrify children.
In that time, Gryla and her many troll offspring were said to terrorize children, hauling badly behaved children off in great burlap bags to be later eaten.
The Edda refers to the recognized mother of the Yule Lad\'s, a horrible ogress named Gryla.
This particular story can be traced back to 13th Century and the Snorri Sturlson\'s Edda.
However, like many of Iceland\'s legends, the story of the Yule Lads is virtually unknown outside of the country.
The country\'s rich history of legends and folktales featuring a host of mystical creatures is reflected in this unique Christmas tale about trolls.
Contributor(s): Author: Heidi Herman The Legend of the Yule Lads is well-known among Icelanders and has been passed down from generation to generation for over 1,500 years
