What are the sons of Grýla called? Unraveling the Mystery of Iceland's Yule Lads

For those unfamiliar with Icelandic folklore, the question "What are the sons of Grýla called?" might evoke images of a dark, brooding family. However, the answer is far more charming, albeit with a touch of mischievousness. Grýla, the fearsome troll mother in Icelandic tradition, is indeed the mother of a rather unique and well-known brood: the Yule Lads (or Jólasveinarnir in Icelandic).

These aren't just any sons; they are thirteen distinct characters, each with their own name, personality, and peculiar habits, who descend from the mountains during the twelve nights leading up to Christmas. They are not your typical Santa Claus figures, spreading gifts of pure joy. Instead, their behavior is a fascinating blend of the helpful and the downright troublesome, reflecting a more complex and perhaps more realistic view of human (or troll) nature.

Who are the 13 Yule Lads?

Each of the Yule Lads has a name that hints at their individual antics. While their appearances and the specific folklore surrounding them can vary slightly in different tellings, the core thirteen are consistently recognized. Here's a breakdown of these intriguing characters:

1. Stekkjarstaur (Sheep-Cote Clod): This Yule Lad is known for his difficulty moving and his peculiar desire to steal milk from sheep. He often has a wooden leg, making his movements even more awkward.
2. Giljagaur (Gully Gawk): Giljagaur is quite the voyeur, hiding in ditches and waiting for an opportunity to steal milk. He's a bit of a peeping tom with a specific taste for dairy.
3. Stúfur (Stubby): As his name suggests, Stúfur is short and often seen stealing leftover food, particularly pans that are stuck to the pot. He's a tidy thief, in a way, ensuring no culinary remnants go to waste – for himself, at least.
4. Þvörusleikir (Spoon-Licker): This Yule Lad has an unusually long tongue and is known for licking cooking spoons. Imagine the hygiene standards!
5. Pottasleikir (Pot-Scraper): Pottasleikir, as his name implies, is a glutton for punishment (and leftovers). He’s notorious for scraping the insides of pots for any remaining food residue.
6. Askasleikir (Bowl-Licker): Askasleikir waits until people are finished eating and then snatches their "askur," which is a type of lidded wooden bowl, to lick it clean. He's a bit of a scavenger, content with what's left behind.
7. Hurðaskellir (Door-Slammer): This energetic Yule Lad loves to make noise. He's known for slamming doors, especially in the middle of the night, causing fright and annoyance.
8. Skyrgámur (Skyr-Gobbler): Skyrgámur has a particular fondness for "skyr," a traditional Icelandic cultured dairy product. He's known to steal it whenever he gets the chance.
9. Bjúgnakrækir (Sausage-Swiper): This Yule Lad has a penchant for sausages. He often climbs onto rafters to steal them.
10. Gluggagægir (Window-Peeper): Gluggagægir is another voyeuristic Yule Lad, but his preferred method is peering through windows to see what people are up to. He’s the original curtain-twitcher.
11. Gáttathefur (Doorway-Sniffer): This Yule Lad has a keen sense of smell and is known for sniffing around doorways, hoping to catch a whiff of something delicious to steal.
12. Kjötkrókur (Meat-Hook): Kjötkrókur is quite literally a meat-hook. He uses this handy tool to snatch meat hanging from various places.
13. Kertanagestur (Candle-Beggar): The youngest and perhaps most poignant of the Yule Lads, Kertanagestur is known for following children and trying to steal their candles. In older times, candles were often made of tallow, and children would receive them as gifts.

The Role of the Yule Lads

Unlike the benevolent Santa Claus, who brings gifts to well-behaved children and coal to the naughty, the Yule Lads operate on a slightly different principle. Traditionally, during the twelve nights of their arrival, children would leave a shoe or a stocking in their windowsill. If a child had been good, they would receive a small gift (like an apple or a piece of candy) in their shoe. However, if they had been naughty, they might find a potato.

This tradition reflects a more nuanced view of morality and consequences, where even a minor transgression could lead to a less desirable outcome. It's a stark contrast to the purely reward-based system often depicted in Western Christmas traditions.

Grýla: The Fearsome Mother

It's important to remember Grýla, the mother of these thirteen mischievous lads. She is depicted as a monstrous, ogre-like creature who lives in the mountains with her two lazy sons, Leppalúði and the Yule Cat. Grýla is said to come down from the mountains during Christmastime to hunt for naughty children, whom she boils in her cauldron and eats.

"She is a troll, an ancient hag, who comes down from the mountains in the cold, dark nights of Yule to find the children who have been naughty, to catch them and boil them in her great, steaming cauldron."

- A common description of Grýla

The Yule Lads, while often mischievous, are also seen as her emissaries, bringing a bit of her wild, untamed spirit down from the desolate highlands. Their actions, while sometimes annoying or even slightly frightening, are generally on a much smaller scale than their mother's terrifying appetite.

A Modern Icelandic Tradition

Today, the Yule Lads are a beloved and integral part of the Icelandic Christmas celebration. While the fear of being eaten by Grýla has largely faded, the charm of the thirteen Yule Lads remains. Children still hang their shoes by the window, and the mischievous arrivals are celebrated with festive decorations, songs, and stories. They represent a unique cultural heritage, a reminder of a time when folklore played a more significant role in shaping societal norms and storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many sons does Grýla have?

Grýla has thirteen sons, who are collectively known as the Yule Lads.

Why are the Yule Lads called by such peculiar names?

The names of the Yule Lads are descriptive of their individual mischievous actions or characteristics. For example, Spoon-Licker (Þvörusleikir) got his name because he would lick cooking spoons.

What do the Yule Lads do to children?

Traditionally, if a child behaved well, they would receive a small gift in their shoe left out on the windowsill. If they were naughty, they might find a potato in their shoe. Some of the Yule Lads are also known for minor thefts, like stealing sausages or lingering by doorways.

Are the Yule Lads scary?

While their mother, Grýla, is a terrifying figure who is said to eat children, the Yule Lads themselves are generally considered more mischievous than truly frightening in modern tradition. Their actions are more akin to pranks and minor annoyances rather than acts of true terror.