Yule Lads

The Yule Lads, or Yulemen, ( _is. jólasveinarnir) are figures from Icelandic folklore who in modern times have become the Icelandic vector of Santa Claus. Their number has varied throughout the ages, but currently there are considered to be thirteen.

Origins

The Yule Lads originate from Icelandic folklore. Early on their number and depictions varied greatly depending on location with each individual Lad ranging from mere pranksters to homicidal monsters.

In 1932 the poem "Jólasveinarnir" was published as a part of the popular poetry book "Jólin Koma" (e. Christmass arrives) by Icelandic poet Jóhannes úr Kötlum. The poem reintroduced Icelandic society to Icelandic Yuletide folklore and established what is now considered the 'official' thirteen Yule Lads, their personalities and connection to other folkloric characters.

Modern Depictions

The Yule Lads were originally portrayed as being mischievous, or even criminal, pranksters that would steal from, or in other way harass the population (at the time mostly rural farmers). They all had descriptive names that conveyed their modus operandi.

The Yule Lads are traditionally said to be the sons of the mountain-dwelling trolls "Grýla" and "Leppalúði". Additionally, the Yule Lads are often depicted with the Yuletide Cat, a beast that, according to folklore, eats children that don't receive new clothes in time for Christmas.

In modern times the Yule Lads have been depicted as taking on a more benevolent role comparable to Santa Claus and other related figures and putting small gifts (or potatoes if the child has misbehaved) into shoes placed by children into their windows the last thirteen nights before Christmas Eve. They are occasionally depicted as wearing the costume traditionally worn by Santa Claus, but are otherwise generally shown wearing late medieval style Icelandic clothing.

List of Yule Lads

The Yule lads are said to "come to town" during the last 13 nights before Christmas, each staying for two weeks before departing. Below are the 'official' thirteen Yule Lads in the order they arrive (and depart).

Names in English are based on Hallberg Hallmundsson's translation of the poem [cite web|url=http://notendur.centrum.is/sjbokband/joh.html/yulelads00.html|title=Hallberg Hallmundson's translation of 'Jólasveinarnir' by Jóhannes úr Kötlum|work=Jóhannes úr Kötlum, skáld þjóðarinnar|accessdate=April 2|accessyear=2008]

See also

* Santa Claus
* Jóhannes úr Kötlum

References

External links

* [http://www.iceland.org/us/the-embassy/curiosities/nr/757 The Icelandic Embassy in the United States on Christmas customs in Iceland, including the Yule Lads]
* [http://jol.ismennt.is/myndasafn1.htm Various illustrations of the Yule Lads]
* [http://www.isholf.is/gullis/jo/yule_lads.htm A short article about the Yule Lads]
* [http://www.simnet.is/gardarj/yule5.htm Another short article]
* [http://notendur.centrum.is/sjbokband/joh.html/yulelads00.html A translation of the poem by Jóhannes úr Kötlum]
* [http://jol.ismennt.is/english/index.html A comprehensive site on Christmas in Iceland with much information about Yule Lads and Grýla]
* [http://jol.ismennt.is/english/gryla-terry-gunnell.htm An essay on Grýla]