The Belsnickel Blog

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.

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.

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.

Holiday traditions are more than just festive activities; they are rich tapestries woven from centuries of stories, beliefs, and customs. Understanding the folklore behind holidays reveals fascinating insights into how cultures celebrate, remember, and pass down their values. This article delves into the origins, meanings, and enduring appeal of holiday traditions, offering practical knowledge to appreciate and perhaps even enrich your own celebrations.

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 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.

By the time December 18th arrives, Iceland’s Yule season is well underway. The candlelight glows warmly through frosted windows, and the laughter of children echoes with the tales of mountain mischief. On this night, a particularly greedy guest makes his descent from the snowy highlands, Skyrgámur, the Skyr-Gobbler, eighth of the thirteen Yule Lads.

The holiday season is a perfect time to dive into magical worlds filled with wonder, enchantment, and heartwarming stories. Holiday fantasy books transport readers to snowy landscapes, mystical realms, and festive adventures that capture the spirit of Christmas and the joy of the season. Whether you are looking for a cozy read by the fire or a thrilling tale to share with family, these books offer something special for everyone.

Despite their different callings, dwarves and gnomes share a curious kinship. Gnomes admire the steadfastness of dwarves, their skill in craft, and their readiness to defend what they love. Dwarves, for their part, respect the gnomes’ deep knowledge of the living world and the subtle arts by which they coax life from soil and seed. There is no rivalry between them, for their strengths lie in such different realms that they have no cause for envy.

For those who know the old myths, the Embered Tree bears a striking resemblance to Yggdrasill, the great ash of Norse legend, whose roots stretch into the realms of gods, men, and the dead. In Norse mythology, Yggdrasill is the axis of the cosmos, binding together the Nine Worlds. It is the tree that witnesses the deeds of gods and mortals alike, enduring through ages of war and winter.

On Belsnickel Nacht (Dec 5th), we gather to decorate the log with ribbons and bows to ward off Belsnickel’s switches and coal. Bells are rung to keep trolls away, and we share warm cocoa and wassail. On Christmas Eve, each of us writes a secret wish on paper and tucks it between the ribbons of the Yule Log. The young ones place it in the fire, sending our hopes heavenward in the smoke. A moment of magic, passed down with joy.