Grýla
Krampus isn't the only figure in Christmas folklore known for devouring children. In Iceland, naughty children were told they would face the wrath of Grýla if they did not behave. The ogress dwells in a mountain cave, but comes out each year at Christmas time to teach misbehaving rug rats a thing or two. Grýla's dish of choice was a stew made of naughty children, and she had an insatiable appetite. However, it wasn't until the 17th century she was linked to Christmas, by which time she had become mother of the Yule Lads—13 figures who range from mischievous pranksters to slightly more evil characters. Ostensibly, children couldn't handle the legends of the ogress and in 1746 a public decree was issued prohibiting the use of Grýla and the Yule Lads to terrify children.
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1 comment:
1746? Icelandic people are humane and progressive, certainly by European standards.
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