The 9th Yule Lad. Bjúgnakrækir (Sausage Swiper): Iceland’s Smoky Trickster of Yule

Arrives: December 19th

Departs: January 2nd

As the winter nights deepen and the Yule fires glow, a familiar scent drifts through Icelandic homes, the mouthwatering aroma of smoked meat hanging from the rafters. But beware! For this is the time when Bjúgnakrækir, the Sausage Swiper, slinks down from the mountains to satisfy his smoky cravings.

Who Is Bjúgnakrækir?

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. The old tales describe him as a wiry, sneaky fellow, skilled at climbing and creeping through the rafters where Icelanders once hung their smoked sausages, called bjúga, to cure for winter. With sharp eyes and a long hook or staff, he’d reach up and snatch them when no one was looking!

Origins in Icelandic Tradition

The story of Bjúgnakrækir dates back centuries, found in collections of Icelandic Christmas folklore recorded in the 17th and 18th centuries. Like all Yule Lads, his legend began as part of a cautionary tale told to children.

Parents would warn youngsters to behave during Advent, for the Yule Lads were watching, and their terrifying mother, Grýla, was said to carry off naughty children in her sack. Over time, the Yule Lads softened from frightful figures into playful pranksters, and eventually into beloved holiday icons.

By the 20th century, they became more like Iceland’s version of Santa’s helpers, each visiting one night in December and leaving small gifts (or a potato for mischief-makers) in children’s shoes placed on the windowsill.

Cultural Significance of the Sausage Swiper

In the old Icelandic countryside, meat preservation was vital for surviving the long winters. Smoking sausages wasn’t just about flavor; it was a matter of survival. A single sausage could represent days of work, patience, and precious livestock.

Bjúgnakrækir’s mischief, then, was no small thing, his antics could truly upset a family’s food supply. Yet, like all Yule Lads, his story evolved into a humorous reminder of gratitude and moderation.

Today, he’s celebrated as a symbol of Iceland’s culinary heritage, especially the age-old art of smoking meats. Around December 19th, Icelanders might share stories of the Sausage Swiper, enjoy traditional bjúga sausage, or leave a playful offering in his honor, perhaps a tiny sausage link or even a note reminding him to share!

There is always a sausage swiper in every family during Christmas.

Sausage Swiper in The Belsnickel Sagas

In the Belsnickel Sagas, Bjúgnakrækir resembles that relative who can't resist sampling the holiday meal before it's served. Every family seems to have one, and perhaps it's you. Discover more about the notorious Sausage Swiper in The Saga of the Yule Lads and in The Saga of Belsnickel, Ulvie and the Advent of the Yule Lads.

The Lesson of Bjúgnakrækir

Every Yule Lad teaches something, and Bjúgnakrækir’s message is simple but profound: “Don’t take what isn’t yours and appreciate what you have.”

In a world filled with abundance, his story reminds us of a time when every bite was precious, every meal hard-earned, and every tradition carried the warmth of survival and family.

So as the Sausage Swiper makes his rounds on December 19th, let his legend bring laughter, and maybe a touch of caution, to

your Yule feast.