When you are abandoned by Santa Claus and something dark comes knocking on your door, be wary of Gryla the Christmas witch and her ghastly horde! Did you know that there is a dark side to Christmas? While most people are familiar with Krampus, there is an entire group of Yuletide monsters waiting in the shadows. In this chilling holiday post, we take a cautious journey to the lair of the Icelandic Yule Cat, the Yule Lads, and their leader Gryla the Christmas witch. I stress the word cautious, do not actually enter, unless you are prepared for a night of chilling terror! To truly understand the Yule Cat, Yule Lads, and Gryla the Christmas witch, one must first journey to Iceland during the Winter holiday season. So, what is it like in Iceland during Christmas? It is a beautiful, Winter Wonderland blanketed in snow with possible sightings of the Northern Lights. Christmas is celebrated for a full twenty-six days in Iceland! If you are a Christmas enthusiast, Iceland is the place to be. The origins of these frightening legends can be traced back to a time when Iceland was not as settled as it is now. The idea of a joyful Christmas or Yuletide was likely a challenge. Back then, Iceland’s terrain was treacherous, and darkness engulfed the land for most of the day. Consider the early Icelanders and the fear they might have felt during the cold, dark winter nights as survival was their main goal. The people turned to superstition, and beliefs from other regions of Scandinavia took on a darker hue. Enter the Yule Cat, Gryla the Christmas Witch, and the Yule Lads. The Yule Cat, known as the Jolakotturinn in Iceland, is not a feline you want to cuddle. He is said to be the pet of Gryla and may pay a visit to your home, especially if you are not wearing new clothes on Christmas. Legend has it that the Yule Cat will eat those who wear old clothes. Children who have been naughty since last Christmas are also at risk of becoming his tasty delight. The Yule Lads, thirteen troll-like creatures, also make an appearance. These mischievous beings hang around Iceland from December 12th until Christmas Day, causing all manner of trouble. They are the sons of Gryla, who is a monstrous troll-woman and Christmas witch. According to tradition and lore, Gryla comes down from her mountain cave to snatch up bad children while they are asleep. She is accompanied by the Yule Lads and the Yule Cat. The presence of these terrifying Yuletide creatures has been documented since the thirteenth century. The folklore of the Yule Lads, Yule Cat, and Gryla has not diminished over time, but rather grown in popularity. Some people in Iceland even dress up as these characters to entertain or horrify their loved ones. These frightening stories have been passed down through the ages as a way of coping with the fear and uncertainty of the dark winter nights. Facing one’s fears is much easier when they are embodied in a physical being or told as a fairy tale.
