The Yule Lads

Arthur Fright, Dickens fan and octogenarian, is disturbed from his Christmas Eve mutterings by an unearthly moaning from his chimney. Why, if it isn’t the Scarifyers, hot on the trail of some Icelandic trolls...

With:
Nicholas Courtney as Lionheart
Terry Molloy as Professor Dunning
David Benson as Arthur Fright

Click on a actor / character's name above to find out more information.

Running time: 9m 45s

Who are the Yule Lads?
The Icelandic celebrate Christmas differently from the rest of the world. Instead of Santa Claus, they have the Jólasveinarnir - the Yule Lads. The Lads are ancient trolls who come to town, one by one, in the thirteen days before Christmas. Each of them endeavours to pilfer things or just to cause mischief, hence their names.

Stekkjastaur (Sheepfold Stick) – December 12
Giljagaur (Gilly Oaf) – December 13
Stúfur (Shorty) – December 14
Þvörusleikir (Spoon-licker) – December 15
Pottasleikir (Pot-licker) – December 16
Askasleikir (Bowl-licker) – December 17
Hurðaskellir (Door-slammer) – December 18
Skyrgámur (Skyr-glutton) – December 19
Bjúgnakrækir (Sausage-pilfer) – December 20
Gluggagægir (Peeper) – December 21
Gáttaþefur (Sniffer) – December 22
Ketkrókur (Meat-hook) – December 23
Kertasníkir (Candle-beggar) – December 24

The Yule Lads are the sons of Grýla, a vicious troll that lives in the mountains. Grýla is said to wander down from the mountains each Christmas in search of children that she puts in her sack. Such was the power of the terrifying creature and her offspring that a public decree was issued in 1746 prohibiting the use of Gryla and the Yuletide Lads to terrify children. But the Yule Lads survived to take on a more benevolent role as their story slowly merged with that of Santa Claus. These days the Lads descend from the mountains to leave presents for children on the thirteen nights up till Christmas. Though not, of course, for bad children. They’re left potatoes instead...

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