Grýla

Grýla is in Icelandic mythology a horrifying monster and an ogress living in the mountains of Iceland. She is said to come from the mountains at Christmas in search of naughty children.

The Grýla legend has been frightening to the people of Iceland for many centuries - her name is even mentioned in Snorri Sturluson's thirteenth century Edda. Grýla was not directly linked to Christmas until in the 17th century. By that time she had become the mother of the Yule Lads. A public decree was issued in 1746 prohibiting the use of Grýla and the Yule Lads to terrify children.

According to folklore Grýla has been married three times. Her third husband Leppalúði is said to be living with her in their cave in the mountains with the big black Christmas cat and their sons. As Christmas approaches, Grýla sets off looking for naughty boys and girls. The Grýla legend has appeared in many stories, poems, songs and plays in Iceland and sometimes Grýla dies in the end of the story.

References

* [http://jol.ismennt.is/english/index.html Christmas in Iceland]
* [http://jol.ismennt.is/english/articlegryla1.htm Getting Even with Grýla]
* [http://jol.ismennt.is/english/gryla-terry-gunnell.htm GRÝLA, GRÝLUR, GRØLEKS AND SKEKLERS]
* [http://www.folkplay.info/Confs/Gunnell2002.pdf Waking the Wiggle-Waggle Monsters]