Icelandic Yule Lads Playing Cards

Step into the magical world of Icelandic Christmas traditions with this unique deck of playing cards depicting the famous Icelandic Yule Lads. The playful illustrations are created by artist Brian Pilkington, bringing these mischievous and beloved folklore characters to life.

The Yule Lads are thirteen brothers who, according to Icelandic folklore, come down from the mountains one by one in the days leading up to Christmas. Children place a shoe on their windowsill, and each night a Yule Lad leaves a small gift for well-behaved children – or a potato for those who have been naughty! Alongside the brothers are their fearsome mother Grýla, their father Leppalúði, and the terrifying Yule Cat.

An explanatory booklet included with the deck tells the story of these legendary characters and their origins in Icelandic folklore, where ancient winter solstice traditions later blended with Christmas celebrations.