Iceland has more monsters than the Yule Cat!
Why Iceland’s Christmas Witch is much cooler and scarier than Krampus.
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A Christmas ogress!? Well that is one awesome tale to tell at this time of year- I loved this article, @Amethyst! 
This line in particular made me laugh:
Filling out what Gunnell calls “this highly dysfunctional family” are Grýla’s mob of large, adult sons: the 13 Yule Lads.
We have Krampus, the Yule Cat, Frau Holle, and now Gryla (and her “dysfunctional family”)- I am really enjoying learning about all of these interesting seasonal legends and characters! 
Thank you so much for sharing this! 
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You’re welcome! I found that on my Firefox Pocket and thought that everyone would enjoy it. I think these characters are a reminder that winter used to be really scary for people. You never knew if you were going to make it through or not.
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Things like ogresses and giant monster cats seem fun and silly now, but you’re right- they’re only like that because I’m sitting at home warm and cozy with the lights on 
. Back in the day, winter was a dark and difficult time and these creatures of the darkness were probably terrifying for people.
On one hand, that realization helps me to be more sympathetic for people back then, and on the other hand- it makes me really grateful for all the things we have to make winter more manageable! 
Legends often have lessons or meanings in them- thanks to you, I’ve found deeper meaning in these stories! Thanks again, Amethyst! 
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Oh yeah, at least once a winter I get thanks to Edison and Tesla for electric power. LOL. Especially if there’s a storm that’s left everyone else out. You’re welcome, my dear!
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