The Belsnickel Blog

In the world of The Saga of Belsnickel, strength alone is never enough. The land Ulvie inhabits is cold, unforgiving, and shaped by centuries of survival against winter, hunger, and fear. In such a world, mercy can appear to be weakness, a dangerous luxury when resources are scarce and enemies real.

Ulvie is born into this tension. He does not remember pagan worship, but he lives among people who do. He hears fragments of old stories from elders. He sees customs practiced out of habit rather than belief. He senses unease when winter deepens and nights grow long.

In the medieval world, winter was a season of truth. This blog explores how cold, darkness, and snow mold Ulvie’s character and give The Saga of Belsnickel its moral weight and meaning.

In the Middle Ages, forests were places of fear, faith, and transformation. This is where gnomes were believed to dwell, and where Ulvie’s story truly begins in The Saga of Belsnickel.

Every December, they arrive individually, bringing chaos and mischief to your holiday festivities. In the past, they were even more malevolent and frightening, to the extent that Iceland's parliament prohibited parents from sharing these tales

When we speak of Norse mythology today, Odin wandering in disguise, Thor’s hammer striking sparks across the heavens, Loki weaving mischief, or the apocalyptic shadows of Ragnarök, we are, in large part, speaking through the voice of one man. Snorri Sturluson (1179–1241) Chieftain. Poet. Historian. Diplomat. Storyteller. A medieval Icelander whose pen preserved the heart of a civilization.

The magic of Christmas is often wrapped in stories and legends that have been passed down through generations. Among these tales, the story of Santa Claus’s reindeer stands out as a beloved part of holiday lore. Two of the most famous reindeer, Donner and Blitzen, have captured the imagination of many with their spirited names and roles in guiding Santa’s sleigh. This blog post explores the fascinating legend of these two reindeer, their origins, and their place in Christmas

Iceland is known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich folklore, especially during the holiday season. One of the most fascinating aspects of Icelandic culture is the tradition surrounding the Yule Lads.

The legend of Hrungnir captivates the imagination with its thrilling depiction of a clash between gods and giants. This is a story that showcases courage, strength, and the indomitable spirit of warriors. Nestled within the framework of Norse mythology, this narrative highlights the bravery of its heroes while echoing the universal struggles and triumphs present in every epic combat.

Whether you are a mythology enthusiast or looking for heartwarming holiday reads, this guide highlights some of the best books that blend Norse mythology with Christmas spirit.

Gisela represents far more than a mother’s love. She embodies the Christian spirit of perseverance, standing between the fading pagan world and the rising light of Christ. She teaches Ulvie that courage is not found only on battlefields, but also in the quiet acts of compassion, faith, and steadfast devotion.

Grýla’s story reaches back more than seven hundred years, long before the modern concept of Santa Claus ever emerged. She first appears in 13th-century Icelandic texts, mentioned in sagas as a giantess living in the mountains. Early tales described her as a creature of hunger and winter, a symbol of scarcity in a harsh land where food was precious and survival uncertain.

There’s something about winter that feels ancient, as if the cold wind still carries stories from the first dawn of time. When I began writing The Saga of Belsnickel: Ulvie and the Frost Giants, I wanted to capture that feeling, the hush before a storm, the glitter of snow beneath a pale moon, and the quiet courage it takes to face the darkness.

Deep in the icy wastes of Iceland’s highlands, beyond the reach of men and the warmth of hearth light, live two of the most infamous figures in Christmas folklore, Grýla and her lazy husband Leppalúði. They are the parents of the mischievous thirteen Yule Lads, but their story stretches far beyond the antics of their troublesome children. Grýla and Leppalúði embody the ancient fears, moral lessons, and enduring transformations of the winter season, from terror to tenderness.

“You think you know Christmas? Think again. What if I told you that lurking in the shadows of festive folklore is a figure far older and more complex than Santa Claus himself? A spirit cloaked in fur, carrying not a sack of gifts, but a switch of birch. Prepare to uncover the forgotten origins of Belsnickel, a mysterious holiday visitor whose story weaves together ancient fear, faith, and festivity. This isn’t just a tale of Christmas past; it’s a glimpse into what Christma

As the long Icelandic winter deepens and the Yule season reaches its peak, the final of the thirteen Yule Lads descends from the mountains. On December 23rd, just one day before Christmas Eve, Kertasníkir — known in English as The Candle Swiper — makes his appearance. His arrival marks both the end of mischief and the dawn of Christmas light.

As Christmas draws near, a shadow slinks down from the snowy mountains, not to sniff or peek, but to hook.On December 22nd, the twelfth of the thirteen Yule Lads arrives: Ketkrókur, known in English as the Meat-Hook. With his long, iron hook and a nose for savory scents, Ketkrókur sneaks around farms and cottages, seeking one thing above all, smoked meat hanging from the rafters. While his methods may seem sinister, his story is one of survival, the warmth of Christmas kitc

As the snow deepens and the candles glow brighter, a curious figure makes his way through Iceland’s wintry hills. On December 21st, the first day of Yule, the eleventh Yule Lad, Gáttaþefur, or “Doorway Sniffer”, descends from the mountains. With his enormous nose and an uncanny sense of smell, he follows the scent of freshly baked laufabrauð (Icelandic leaf bread) and other Christmas treats wafting from cozy cottages.

As the twelfth month deepens and frost paints lace upon every pane, another of Iceland’s mischievous Christmas visitors makes his way down from the mountains. On December 20th, the tenth Yule Lad, Gluggagægir (“Window Peeper”) peers out from the shadows of Yule night.

The name Bjúgnakrækir translates directly to “Sausage Swiper” or “Sausage Snatcher,” and his reputation fits the name perfectly. In Icelandic folklore, he is one of the 13 mischievous sons of the mountain trolls Grýla and Leppalúði, and the ninth to make his appearance during the Christmas season. Unlike some of his brothers who target dairy or baked goods, Bjúgnakrækir is drawn to meat, especially sausages.