The Thirteen Yule Lads
Iceland folklore tells of thirteen mischievous trolls who come down from the rough, and unforgiving mountains to raise trouble throughout villages on the nights leading up to Christmas.
Each night one of the trolls sneaks through town, taking their turn to look for their favorite morsel of food, or item to steal. It’s best to appease some of them (as they’re too cunning to deter), while you’re better off repelling others before they ever step inside. These simple rhymes will help you and your family keep all of your holiday cheer safe through the cold nights leading up to Christmas.
December 12th:
Stekk—(Stekkjasuar)
First of the Yule Lads to appear is Stekk
Who loves to find a silent night to wreck
In he sneaks to rile up the snoozing sheep
Leave out wool socks if you hope to sleep
December 13th:
Gully—(Giljagaur)
The second of the Lads to come is Gully
Who’s after warm milk to fill his tummy
If you want a dancing sugar plum dream
Leave this sour troll a glass of milk or cream
December 14th:
Stubby—(Stúfur)
Stubby is the third Lad hoping to be fed
Short, and round he looks for bread
To the pantry he’ll turn for what he loves most
To avoid his tricks leave this Lad a piece toast
December 15th:
Spooner —( Þvörusleikir)
On the fourth night comes the Yule Lad Spooner
If he had meat on his bones he’d arrive sooner
Thin and wiry he comes searching for spoons to lick
Leaving some covered in sweets should do the trick
December 16th:
Potts — (Pottasleikir)
Time to clean the kitchen, for here comes Potts
The smell of scrubbed pans turns his belly to knots
Searching for scraps, he moves from home to home
Leave out a clean pot or two to repel this gnome
December 17th:
Aska—(Askaleikir)
The silly little Yule Lad Aska looks to be fed
He foolishly searches for food under your bed
Finding only dust bunnies he’ll throw a fit
Pity him with a treat, and quickly he’ll split
December 18th:
Huro—(Hurðaskellir)
Huro is the loudest Yule Lad, with habits poor
Ready to wake the house with a slamming door
Hurry! Run quick, check the locks ‘round the house
Help keep all the creatures from stirring, even the mouse.
December 19th:
Gamur—Skyrgámur
Gamur comes ready and happy to feast
He loves eating skyr and yogurt to say the least
Leave this little fellow a bowl of his favorite treat
And avoid him rummaging around to steal and eat
December 20th:
Bewkner—(Bjúgnakrækir)
The smell of fennel and grease is this Lad’s Pied Piper
Bewkner, the sneaky sausage and salted meat swiper
Share with him a plate of salami and savory snacks
From your presents and sweets he won't take his tax
December 21st:
Glugg—(Gluggagægir)
The tenth is the little window peeping Glugg
His jealousy boils at the site of a hot chocolate mug
Close the drapes and curtains tight so he can’t spy in
Else he’ll steal whatever goodies he sees with a grin
December 22nd:
Gattafur—(Gáttaþefur)
The Yule Lad Gattafur comes eleventh in line
He sniffs up and down doors for cooking smells divine
Keep him away from all your yummy holiday goods
Place your shoes by the door to stay out of the woods
December 23rd:
Ketrókur
As the meals grow richer Ketrokur comes near
With a nose for roasts and an ear for cheer
Be sure to eat every bite, and clean every bone.
For Ketrokur is quick to steal anything left alone.
December 24th:
Snicker — (Kertasníkir)
The last of the Lads is the sorry soul Snicker
He has a habit of stealing candles while they flicker
Snuff out every wick, and blow out every stick
For tonight we only want to welcome in Saint Nick.
