13 Yule Trolls of Iceland: Who They Are and How Children Receive Gifts.

According to ТСН: In Iceland, from December 12 to Christmas, one of the 13 Christmas trolls – Yule Lads – visits each day. This is not just a marketing trick, but part of an ancient folklore. According to legend, they are all children of the troll lady Grýla, who lives in the mountains, and the long-bearded Léppalúði.

Previously, trolls used to kidnap children, but over time they 'reformed' and began to bring gifts. Now they have become a fun part of Icelandic Yule – a holiday that is analogous to Christmas.

What Makes Each Troll Different

Each of the 13 trolls has its own special style of jokes. Their names directly reflect their habits:

• Spoon-Licker – enjoys licking spoons.

• Pot-Scraper – eats leftovers from pans.

• Candle-Stealer – has a passion for stealing candles.

• Sausage-Swiper – steals sausages from the kitchen.

• Door-Slammer – scares people by slamming doors.

The list includes 13 such characters, each of which has its own 'day of appearance.'

How the Tradition Works

Children put their shoes on the windowsill, and that’s where the trolls leave gifts or potatoes. If a child has been good, they will find something nice in their shoe, and if they have been naughty – they will receive a rotten vegetable.

From December 12 to 24, every evening a new troll visits, and later, one by one, they return to the mountains – until January 6.

Similar to Santa Claus in Ukraine, Yule trolls assess children's behavior and leave something in their shoes. However, in the Icelandic version, there are 13 of them, and each has its own character.

This tradition vividly demonstrates how Iceland preserves living mythology, where folklore intertwines with modern life.

Besides trolls, Icelandic folklore features many other fascinating characters and traditions. Each reflects a unique worldview and national culture, helping to preserve the country's unique identity.