The Icelandic Yule Lads are the sons of the trolls Grýla and Leppalúði. They come down from the mountains, one each of the thirteen nights before Christmas bringing children small treats In the days of yore however, they were anything but nice. Instead of bringing treats, they came to scare peple and steal what was most precious to them, their food.
Here's no. 7, Hurðaskellir (Door Slammer). His favorite pastime was startling people by slamming doors, preferably at night when everyone was fast asleep. Creaky doors and unoiled hinges were a particular favorite of his. He wasn't interested in stealing food, he just wanted to make a ruckus and the louder it was the better. In his opinion. The people he startled from their sleep probably didn't feel the same way.
The Icelandic Christmas Legends ornaments from Raven Design, featuring the Yule Lads, Grýla, Leppalúði and the Yule Cat are now available in my online shop. Shipping is available to Europe and N-America, if your country is not listed, but you would like to buy the ornaments send me a line at gardaflora@gardaflora.is.