The Belsnickel Blog

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.

As part of the rich tapestry of Icelandic Christmas folklore, the first of the thirteen Yule Lads is Stekkjastaur, known in English as “Sheep-Cote Clod, or Clot.” He traditionally arrives on the night of December 11th, meaning children awake on December 12th to his advent

Iceland’s Christmas season is unlike any other, filled with unique folklore and customs that have been passed down through generations. Central to these celebrations are the Icelandic Yule Lads, a group of mischievous characters who bring both fun and mystery to the holiday. These figures are deeply embedded in Icelandic culture and offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s festive spirit. The Icelandic Yule Lads: Who Are They? The Icelandic Yule Lads are a group of 13 b

Some popular books in this genre include retellings of the Yule celebrations, which were important winter festivals in Norse culture. These books often explore how the Norse people honored the return of the sun and the promise of longer days, a concept that resonates with the modern Christmas spirit of hope and renewal.