13 Yule Lads, Troll Mother Grýla and the Fearsome Yule Cat

Every culture has its own unique way of celebrating the holidays, but Iceland may top them all when it comes to wintertime weirdness. Christmas in Iceland is steeped in quirky folklore, led by 13 mischievous Yule Lads, their fearsome troll mother Grýla, her sluggish husband Leppalúði, and the menacing Yule Cat. Instead of one Santa, Icelandic kids face a parade of pranksters—and a few frightening consequences if they misbehave.

The Yule Lads: Iceland’s 13 Santa-Like Tricksters

The Yule Lads, or Jólasveinar in Icelandic, are 13 mythical figures in Icelandic folklore who visit children during the 13 nights leading up to Christmas (December 12–24). They’re not your typical jolly Santa Claus—instead, these lads are pranksters with a penchant for mischief. 

What Are the Yule Lads, and Are They Real or Trolls?

They are mythical figures, deeply rooted in Icelandic folklore. As for being trolls, the Yule Lads are often described as troll-like or the sons of trolls, specifically their mother, Grýla, a monstrous ogress. Their origins tie them to Iceland’s troll mythology, but over time, they’ve evolved into more human-like, mischievous figures.

How Many Yule Lads Are There, and What Are Their Names?

There are 13 Yule Lads, in the Icelandic folklore each with a distinct name that reflect their antics and quirky personality, each visiting children on a different night from December 12th to December 24th.  Want to know more about the funny lads?

What Do the Yule Lads Do?

Each Yule Lad arrives one by one starting on December 12, with a new lad coming to town each night until Christmas Eve. During their visit, they leave gifts (like small toys or treats) in children’s shoes placed on windowsills—if the kids have been good. Naughty children, however, get a raw potato! Each lad’s specific prank, tied to their name, adds a playful (or annoying) twist to the season. For example, Door-Slammer might keep you up all night, while Sausage-Swiper raids your kitchen. After their night of mischief, they depart one by one, starting on Christmas Day, until the last lad leaves on January 6.

What Do the Yule Lads Look Like?

The Yule Lads are often depicted as scruffy, bearded figures dressed in rustic, old-fashioned Icelandic clothing, like woolen sweaters or tattered coats. Their troll heritage gives them a slightly wild, unkempt appearance, though modern portrayals sometimes make them more Santa-like, complete with red hats. Each lad’s look might hint at his prank—think Spoon-Licker with a spoon in hand or Doorway-Sniffer with an exaggerated nose.

Which Yule Lad Are You? Discover Your Mischievous Match!

Curious about which of Iceland’s 13 Yule Lads you’d be? Your personality holds the clue! Food lovers might channel Skyrgámur, devouring skyr with gusto. If you’re a night owl who loves a bit of chaos, Hurðaskellir, the door-slammer, could be your spirit lad. Sneaky types may see themselves in Gluggagægir, peering through windows for treasure. Are you a sneaky Þvörusleikir, licking spoons under the table, or a bold Bjúgnakrækir, swiping sausages?  Reflect on your habits—crave snacks? You’re probably Stúfur. Thrive on pranks? Hurðaskellir is calling your name!

Who Is Grýla, and Is She a Real Myth?

Grýla is the terrifying mother of the Yule Lads, a monstrous ogress in Icelandic folklore who lives in the mountains. She’s very much a mythical figure, not a real creature, but her story has been a staple of Icelandic culture for centuries. Grýla is known for her gruesome appetite—she hunts naughty children, kidnaps them in a sack, and cooks them into stew for her Christmas feast. Her role as a bogeyman figure serves to scare kids into behaving, and her legend dates back to at least the 13th century.

What Does Grýla Do to Children?

Grýla, the fearsome ogress of Icelandic folklore, has a chilling reputation: she hunts down naughty children, stuffs them into her sack, and hauls them to her mountain cave. There, she’s said to cook them into a stew to feed herself and her family. Far scarier than a lump of coal, her tale is a stern warning to behave during the Christmas season. With a nose for mischief, Grýla roams villages, targeting disobedient kids. Though grim, this story is a classic folklore trick to encourage good behavior—Grýla is the ultimate “be good or else” threat!

Who Is Leppalúði … the Lazy Husband?

Leppalúði is Grýla’s husband and father of the Yule Lads, though he’s mostly useless in the stories. He’s described as lazy, dim-witted, and totally unhelpful in keeping their bizarre family under control.

What Is the Yule Cat, and Is It Real?

The Yule Cat (Icelandic: Jólakötturinn) is a giant, monstrous feline who roams Iceland during Christmas time. This isn’t your cozy, purring pet—it’s massive, fearsome, and sharp-eyed. It’s a mythical creature, not real—but its legend is still widely known and referenced in Icelandic culture and songs.

Why would the Yule Cat eat children?

The Yule Cat’s grim habit of eating people (not just children) who lack new clothes stems from Iceland’s agricultural past. In rural communities, finishing wool processing before winter was crucial, and new clothes were a reward for hard work. The Yule Cat’s threat motivated everyone—kids and adults alike—to contribute to the household’s textile tasks. Those who didn’t help risked the cat’s wrath, making it a cultural nudge wrapped in a spooky tale.

Why Iceland’s Folklore Captivates Us

Icelandic Christmas folklore is a captivating blend of fun and fear. With 13 mischievous Yule Lads, the fearsome Grýla, her lazy husband Leppalúði, and the looming Yule Cat, these tales add a darkly playful twist to the holiday season. Rooted in Iceland’s storytelling tradition, they reward good behavior, prank the naughty, and keep the spirit of folklore alive.

Do you want to buy set of all the Yule Lads Christmas decorations?

You can get Christmas figurines with the 13 Icelandic Yule Lads here to decorate your home.
Here is a set of all 16 yule figurines
Here is a set of all 14 yule ornaments
Here is a set of all 7 yule lads ornaments