Santa’s Northern Neighbors

Meet the Yule Troll Family of Iceland

Far to the north of the North Pole, past snowy oceans and volcanic mountains, lives a holiday family unlike any other I have ever met.

They live in Iceland.
They are trolls.
And they absolutely love Christmas.

In Iceland, the holiday season is not only about Santa and reindeer. It is also the time of the Yule Troll family. They are part of an ancient tradition. Today, modern Icelanders tell these stories with warmth, humor, and a twinkle in the eye.

Let me introduce you.

Grýla, the Winter Mother

At the center of the family is Grýla (pronounced GREE-luh). In the past, she had a reputation as a scary mountain troll. These days, most Icelandic children think of her as a grumpy but important winter mother who lives in the lava fields of Dimmuborgir (DIM-moo-borg-eer).

Grýla watches over her family and keeps an eye on the season. She is strict about manners and rules. Mostly because when you have thirteen mischievous sons, you have to be. How does your mom manage you and your siblings when you’re excited?

I have always suspected she secretly enjoys the noise and chaos. Even if she pretends she does not.

Leppalúði, the Gentle Giant

Grýla’s husband is Leppalúði (LEP-uh-LOO-thee). He is quiet and moves slowly. Leppalúði does not enjoy conflict. If Grýla is the storm, Leppalúði is the snowfall that follows afterward.

People often see him as the calm one in modern stories. The steady one. The troll who fixes things after the boys have finished causing trouble.

Every family needs someone like that. Who is “Leppalúði” in your family?

The Thirteen Yule Lads

Now come the stars of the show. Their sons are called the Yule Lads. Thirteen of them. Each ‌with a funny habit that gave him his name.

They do not all come at once. One arrives each night for the thirteen nights leading up to Christmas. Icelandic children place a shoe in the window. If they have done their best to behave, a small gift appears inside by morning.

If not, sometimes a potato.

The Yule Lads are not mean. They are silly. Mischievous. Curious. A little too interested in snacks and noise and shiny things. In other words, they are a lot like kids.

And Then There Is Jólakötturinn the Yule Cat

Every family seems to have one mysterious member.

In this one, it is Jólakötturinn (YO-la-KUH-tur-in), the Yule Cat. People say a giant black cat roams the snowy countryside at Christmas. Long ago, the story reminded children to help with winter chores so everyone could have warm new clothes.

Today, most Icelanders treat the Yule Cat as a symbol of generosity. A reminder to make sure no one is left out in the cold.

Even a very large cat can have a kind heart.

Why Iceland Still Tells These Stories

Modern Iceland does not tell these tales to frighten children. They are told to celebrate winter. To encourage kindness. To share laughter during the darkest part of the year.

They remind everyone that even when the nights are long and the wind is loud, families stick together. People can forgive mischief. Warm socks matter. And small gifts mean a great deal.

As Santa, I find that message very comforting.

Next, I will tell you more about Grýla herself, the Winter Mother at the heart of this troll family. She is full of surprises.

You will see what I mean.

I hope you liked this first peek into Iceland’s Christmas folklore. Our next post arrives on Friday, when we’ll sit with Grýla herself. And if you’d like Santa to share a story or a little holiday cheer with your family this season, my visit calendar is always available.

Invite Santa to Visit