Yule

Iceland’s Christmas Trolls: Grýla and the Yule Lads

Iceland’s Christmas Trolls: Grýla and the Yule Lads

Christmas traditions vary throughout the world, and not all countries incorporate Santa Claus. In Iceland, their Christmastime characters are a family of trolls (Grýla, Leppalúði, and the Yule Lads), along with a large cat (known as the Yule Cat). While some can bring gifts, there can also be mischief – and the punishment for bad behavior is much more serious than coal left in a stocking. Let’s explore these holiday traditions.

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Posted by AP Sylvia in Cryptids & Entities, Iceland, 0 comments
Krampus in Witch City

Krampus in Witch City

On the longest night of the year, the start of Yule, I enjoyed a unique tour of historic downtown Salem, Massachusetts. My guide had horns upon his head and carried a menacing bundle of sticks. Yes, I followed behind none other than Krampus, the devilish December visitor of Germanic folklore known for terrorizing naughty children. Continue reading →

Posted by AP Sylvia in Cryptids & Entities, Massachusetts, 0 comments