Mischievous youngsters in Iceland meet the frightening Gryla, an ogress who lives in a mountain cave and emerges every Christmas to torment wicked children. Gryla's terrifying reputation in the 18th century extended beyond mere scares; she was thought to gobble up unruly children, leading to a government order prohibiting the use of Gryla to inspire dread in misbehaving kids. Gryla is also the mother figure of the Yule Lads, a group of 13 naughty figures with names like "Spoon Licker," "Door Slammer," and "Sausage Swiper."
Jólakötturinn, unlike many other characters on this list, doesn't judge based on good or bad behavior; its only concern is your wardrobe. As per Icelandic legend, this fearsome feline, who lives with Gryla and the Yule Lads, devours those who do not have new clothes for Christmas.
The tradition is similar to another Icelandic tradition in which those who complete their yearly tasks receive new clothing before the holidays. Ultimately, this fashion-conscious cat acts as an unusual motivator for both youngsters and adults to be careful not to become a meal for a huge cat.
Found across southeastern Europe, the Kallikantzaroi and their kindred spirits are peculiar subterranean beings. These small, impish creatures, with their dark hue, make rare appearances, predominantly during the 12 days of Christmas. Their usual habitat lies deep within the Earth, where their primary goal is to bring about global annihilation.
In ancient lore, a World Tree shoulders the weight of the world, with its roots and branches cradling the earth. The Kallikantzaroi carry out their mischievous activities within this cosmic framework. While their primary goal is to saw down the World Tree throughout most of the year, they take a break during the Christmas season. Instead, they turn their focus to creating chaos on Earth, allowing the World Tree to undergo a healing process. This safeguards against the ultimate destruction of the world by the Kallikantzaroi.
Related: Have You Been Believing These Christmas Myths Too?
Legend has it that to ward off the destructive Kallikantzaroi from your home, hanging a pig's jaw behind the door is recommended. Much like other demons, these creatures have a weakness for counting. To keep them occupied, people hang flax, as they are supposed to be too engrossed in counting the strands to cause trouble.
