Iceland awaits the Yule Lads Dec 13, 2018

Iceland awaits the Yule Lads

If you’re spending the holidays here in Reykjavik, be sure to keep an eye out for Sausage-Swiper, Window-Peeper, and Door-Slammer. They’re three of the Yule Lads, a group of 13 mischievous pranksters who—according to local folklore—visit homes one by one to leave rewards or punishments for children on each of the 13 days leading up to Christmas. Tonight, the Gully Gawk is scheduled for a visitation, waiting for an opportunity to sneak into the cowshed and steal milk. Modern versions of the lads sometimes portray them in a benevolent light, even dressed like Santa Claus, but other stories are dark. The lads are said to be the sons of Gryla, a mountain troll with an appetite for mischievous children. Let’s hope we’re on the nice list this year.

© Arctic-Images/Corbis Documentary/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Dec 13, 2019Taking the scenic route
Dec 13, 2020The view will stop you in your tracks
Dec 13, 2021Old Town Quito
Dec 13, 2022Hallstatt, Austria
Dec 13, 2023Svolvaer, Lofoten Islands, Norway
Dec 13, 2024Christmas market, St. Stephens Basilica, Budapest, Hungary
Dec 13, 2025Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Jan 27, 2020Thomas Edison s bright idea
Mar 6, 2020Hello, harbinger of spring
Jul 24, 2022Amelia Earhart
Nov 17, 2018A bird of beauty
Jul 9, 2018Gauchos showcase Argentina’s independent spirit
Sep 4, 2025Grizzly bears in Alaska for National Wildlife Day
Jan 20, 2023Penguin Awareness Day
Apr 22, 2018Have a ‘beary’ good Earth Day
Feb 16, 2020When an ideal microclimate gives you lemons…
Aug 30, 2024International Whale Shark Day
Dec 8, 2021Petrified Forest National Park
Jul 21, 2019A peek behind the royal curtain
Jul 10, 2019Put your helmet on, we’re going for a hike
Aug 8, 2024Spotted owlet, Bangkok, Thailand
Feb 22, 2021Invisible no longer
Apr 12, 2023Earth seen from the International Space Station
Feb 9, 2020Hollywood s big night
Feb 6, 2022Oymyakon, Russia
Mar 15, 2020Celebrating 200 years of statehood
Dec 14, 2025Audubon Christmas Bird Count
Aug 14, 2020In the Navajo Nation for Code Talkers Day
Aug 13, 2020Life in the slow lane
Feb 1, 2019‘Stepping’ into Black History Month
Jul 26, 2024Summer Olympics begin in Paris
Nov 15, 2021Manatee Awareness Month
Jun 30, 2019San Francisco’s City Hall illuminated by the iconic colors of Pride
Aug 13, 2021Fight for your lefts
Mar 12, 2020Fiesta at Siesta
Apr 25, 2018National Park Week: Wind Cave National Park
Feb 14, 2021An oceanic valentine