Kertasníkir (Candle-Stealer) The last to arrive, Kertasníkir used to follow children in order to steal their candles, back in the days when children had playing cards and candles for Christmas, and when candles were made from tallow. These days, candles are made from wax, and can make Kertasníkir ill if he eats them. Now, he […]
If there is something that Icelanders and the English have in common, it’s talking about the weather. Both countries have changeable weather, to say the least, so maybe that’s it. But its come to be a lazy form of small talk; not sure what to talk about? Talk about the weather. Lay Low, now well […]
Ketkrókur (Meat-Hook) This Yule lad, the twelfth, uses a metal hook to grab meat, especially lamb hanging to be smoked. He then eats the meat, causing him to grow big and strong. Less and less meat is being hung these days, so he could use the hook to open plastic packets I suppose. Vegetarianism doesn’t […]
Gáttaþefur (Doorway-Sniffer) This Yule lad has whopping nose and and a superb sense of smell which he uses to locate food, especially his favourite laufabrauð. Bad smells can seem really strong to him though, and even make his eyes water. He just can’t turn off that nose of his. Gáttaþefur arrives on December 22 and […]
The Yule lads, of which there are thirteen in Icelandic folklore, come from the mountains to visit every Christmas. They arrive one by one, and leave again fourteen days later. The Yule lads used to have a bit of a reputation, and whilst they are still mainly naughty, they now leave presents in children’s shoes […]
Life on the Line is a portrait project connecting and celebrating the people of the Arctic circle. The photographs are all taken within 35 miles of the actual circle ( 66.33 degrees North ) and covers all eight countries through which the line dissects. Christian Barnett has been drawn to both the ordinary and the […]
Gluggagægir (Window-Peeper) hmmm. This one is a bit naughty. The word ‘voyeur’ might be a bit strong, but he does peer through windows. Is he looking for things to steal? Is he spying on you? It would sure give you a fright though to see Gluggagægir pressing his funny face against the window of your […]
Icelandic folklore states that everyone has to get one new piece of clothing at Christmas. Anyone who was left out is in danger of being eaten by a gruesome feline called the Christmas Cat. The Christmas Cat belongs to Grýla – the terrible mother of the Yule Lads – so that is where it gets […]
Bjúgnakrækir (Sausage-Swiper) – In the olden days, Bjúgnakrækir hid in the rafters of turf houses and snatched sausages that were being smoked. These are called Bjúga and were thick sausages made out of horsemeat or lamb. Nowadays, Bjúgnakrækir eats any sausage he can get his hands on, especially the delicious ones in Plysur. Bjúgnakrækir arrives […]
Skyrgámur (Skyr-Gobbler ) – I cant be too hard on this Yule Lad. He and I share an affinity for skyr. We both love this traditional Icelandic yoghurt-style dessert, alhough he prefers the old fashioned, unsweetend type. I prefer the blueberry ones. He has even has a bit of a belly from eating so much […]
Iceland, Defrosted 
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