“Down comes Grýla from the outer fields / With forty tails / A bag on her back, a sword in her hand, / Coming to carve out the stomachs of the children / Who cry for meat during Lent.”

The Rise of Krampus in Popular Culture

In recent years, there has been a growing fascination with the darker side of the holiday season, notably embodied by the figure of Krampus. This horned and hoofed creature, originating from Germanic folklore, has increasingly captured the American imagination. Krampus, once a peripheral character in Christmas lore, has seen a remarkable surge in popularity. This rise can be attributed to various cultural phenomena, including parades dedicated to this once-obscure figure, an array of merchandise featuring his sinister likeness, and even a horror-comedy film that has brought Krampus into the mainstream spotlight. This growing interest in Krampus represents a shift in cultural tastes, where elements of fear and darkness are being embraced alongside traditional festive cheer.

Grýla: The Overlooked Monarch of Holiday Horror

Amidst the growing popularity of Krampus, a far more menacing figure lurks in the lore of Northern Europe: Grýla (meaning Growler), the Christmas witch of Iceland. Residing in a remote cave amidst Iceland's icy landscapes, Grýla is a formidable and horrifying figure. As the matriarch of a bizarre family of mythical creatures, she is infamous for her terrifying raids on neighboring towns, where she kidnaps misbehaving children to turn them into a gruesome stew.

The Deep Historical Roots of Grýla's Legend

The tales of Grýla are steeped in history, with oral traditions dating back centuries and the earliest written references appearing in the 13th century. Historic sagas and poems from Iceland paint a vivid picture of Grýla, portraying her with multiple tails, a bag, and a knife – symbols of her ominous intent towards children. One rhyme says she has 15 tails, each of which holds 100 bags with 20 children in each bag, doomed to be a feast for the troll’s family. Poems “describe eyes in the back of her head, ears that hang so long that they hit her in the nose, a matted beard, blackened teeth, and hooves.”*

Over time, these depictions have evolved, intertwining Grýla with the darker elements of Iceland's midwinter holiday, jól. This period, akin to the ancient celebration of Yule, was traditionally seen as a time of convergence between the living, the dead, and mystical beings like Grýla.

The Transformation of Grýla's Image

Originally, Grýla was not intrinsically linked to Christmas festivities but was more a manifestation of the severity and danger of winter. Her association with Christmas developed much later, over several centuries, as her image as a marauding witch punishing misbehaving children gradually merged with the spirit of the yuletide season. In Iceland, the Christmas period is often referred to as Jól (Yule), a festival described by Smithsonian as a time for not just uniting living and deceased relatives, but also for acknowledging the presence of elves, trolls, and other mystical beings believed to dwell in the landscape. It was only in the early 19th century that Grýla's connection to the Christmas season became more pronounced, with poems and stories increasingly integrating her into the lore of Christmas folklore.

The Enigmatic Family of Grýla

A peculiar aspect of Grýla's mythos is her family, consisting of Leppalúði, her troll-like husband, a fearsome Yule Cat, Jólakötturinn, that preys on those without new clothes, and the 13 Yule Lads, each known for a distinct type of mischief during December. Originally standalone figures in Christmas folklore, these characters were later incorporated into the legend of Grýla, enriching her narrative with a broader cast of mythical beings.

Grýla in Modern Times: Preserving Tradition

In contemporary Iceland, there is a concerted effort to preserve the traditional depictions of Grýla and the Yule Lads, countering the homogenizing influence of globalized Christmas images, such as that of Santa Claus. The National Museum of Iceland has been instrumental in this, advocating for a return to their more authentic, pre-modern forms. These efforts include promoting costumes reflective of 17th- and 18th-century Icelandic clothing, emphasizing local cultural identity.

The Artistic Legacy of Grýla

Illustrator Brian Pilkington has played a crucial role in shaping the modern image of Grýla and the Yule Lads. His artwork, which offers definitive depictions of these characters, has significantly influenced their perception in contemporary Icelandic culture. Pilkington's work reflects the living nature of these folklore figures, as he notes the genuine fear Grýla still instills in Icelandic children.

Conclusion: The Undying Essence of Grýla

The legend of Grýla, evolving over centuries, is more than a mere holiday story. It serves as a window into the rich and complex tapestry of Icelandic folklore. While figures like Krampus have gained significant traction in places like the United States, Grýla continues to hold a deep and enduring place in the cultural fabric of Iceland. Her tale, embodying the fearsome aspects of winter and the resilience of traditional folklore, stands as a testament to the enduring power of myth and legend in shaping cultural identities.

Vegan Kjötsúpa

In the Shadows of Folklore: A Culinary Twist on Grýla's Tale

Grýla may be known for her appetite for naughty children, but in this modern twist, we take inspiration from her legend to create something far more palatable and entirely vegan: a hearty Icelandic stew. This dish transforms the ominous aura of Grýla into a comforting, nurturing meal, perfect for the darkest, coldest nights of winter.

This stew, while inspired by a rather grim legend, is a celebration of Icelandic flavors, featuring robust root vegetables and rich, earthy seasonings. It's a nod to Iceland's culinary simplicity and the need for warmth and sustenance during the long winter months.

Here’s a link to the original recipe for the meat eaters.

Ingredients:

2 cups mixed mushrooms, chopped (a hearty substitute for meat)
4 cups vegetable broth (for a rich base)
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 large carrots, chopped
2 parsnips, chopped (for a touch of sweetness)
1 small rutabaga, cubed (a nod to traditional Icelandic fare)
1/2 cup pearl barley (or substitute with quinoa for a gluten-free option)
1 tsp smoked paprika (for a hint of smokiness)
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley, for garnish
A splash of Icelandic beer (optional, for depth of flavor)

Instructions:

Sauté the Base: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, onion, and garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms have reduced in size.
Simmer the Roots: Add the carrots, parsnips, and rutabaga to the pot, stirring to combine. Cook for a 5-8 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Add Grains and Spices: Stir in the barley, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. If using, pour in a splash of Icelandic beer for an extra layer of flavor.
Pour in Broth and Cook: Add the vegetable broth and bring the stew to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the barley and vegetables are tender.
Final Touches: Adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

A Dish to Warm the Heart

As you savor each spoonful of this vegan Icelandic stew, let it transport you to the mythical landscapes of Iceland, where folklore and tradition are as rich and deep as the flavors in your bowl. This stew isn't just a meal; it's a journey through Icelandic culture, a tribute to its folklore, and a testament to the warmth that can be found even in the coldest tales.

So as the nights draw in and the air turns crisp, let Grýla's stew be your culinary companion. It's a reminder that even the most fearsome tales can transform into something nurturing, comforting, and delightfully tasty.

Exploring Grýla, Iceland's Christmas Witch Plus a Child Free Stew