We bring the Yule spirit of Iceland to the world
Date
22. Oct 202622. Oct 26
Reading time
3 min
Share
The tale of Iceland’s Yule Cat might surprise you. It tells of a giant cat that prowls the winter nights, devouring those who don’t get new clothes for Christmas. Not exactly festive, right?
Yet underneath lies a beautiful reminder to care for one another and to share warmth when it’s needed most. And that’s why the story of the Yule Cat, however un-Christmassy it seems at first glance, deserves to take flight.
The Yule Cat’s alarming appetite
Jólakötturinn (the Yule Cat) is a mythical beast said to eat those who have nothing new to wear for Christmas Eve. There’s a longstanding Icelandic tradition of children receiving an item of clothing as a gift to ward him off.
There’s also an Icelandic saying: Ekki fara í Jólaköttinn. Literally, it’s a warning: ‘Don't go into the Yule Cat’, or ‘Don’t end up in the belly of the Yule Cat’. It’s used as a playful reminder (to both adults and children) in the lead-up to Christmas to not get caught unprepared – and to stay festive, and maybe treat yourself (and others) to something new for the season.
Iceland’s Christmas folklore
The darkness of the Christmas season has conjured up all sorts of scary creatures, among them a trouble-making bunch of Yule Lads, 13 in all, an ogress named Grýla, and the child-eating Yule Cat.
Where does the idea of a weird creature like the Yule Cat come from? The roots of this folklore go back as far as the days when Icelanders were living in isolated turf houses.
In the middle of winter, with the darkness creeping in and strange noises howling outside, it’s easy to understand how the Yule Cat – and all of its cohort – sprang into existence in the imagination of the Icelandic people.
From the ogress Grýla and her grotty husband Leppalúði, to the 13 cheeky Yule Lads who can be found slamming doors and stealing candles, their characters come alive in the darkness.
Over time, these folkloric creatures have become tamer and friendlier. Instead of stealing and wreaking havoc, the Yule Lads are now in the habit of leaving treats in children’s shoes left on the windowsill in anticipation of their visits (a gift if they’ve been good, a potato if not!).
The first mention of the Yule Cat is from an 1862 collection of folklore, but it became part of classic Icelandic Christmas lore in 1932, when Jóhannes úr Kötlum published his poetry collection Jólin koma (‘Christmas is Coming’). One of the poems, ‘Jólakötturinn’, centered on the hungry cat – and the cat captured imaginations and went on to take a leading role in Christmas festivities and decorations. There’s even a large illuminated figure of the Yule Cat in downtown Reykjavík, where Austurstræti meets Lækjargata.
These days, the Yule Cat is closely linked with other figures from Icelandic folklore – it’s considered the pet of the ogress Grýla and her sons, the Yule Lads.
Interested to know more about the Yule Cat’s presence in Icelandic life?
On Spotify, you can listen to Björk singing the ‘Jólakötturinn’ poem by Jóhannes úr Kötlum, on a Christmas album from 1986. (Follow along with the complete translated lyrics.)
The poem
The Jólakötturinn poem is lengthy, opening with the setting of the scene:
You all know the Yule Cat, and that cat was huge indeed.
People didn’t know where he came from, or where he went.
And it finishes with a reminder of what the season is all about:
You may want to keep it in mind, to help if there is a need
For somewhere there might be children, who have nothing at all.
Perhaps looking out for those who suffer, and live in a lightless world
Will give you a happy day, and a merry Christmas.
The Yule Cat illumination in downtown Reykjavík.
More adventures of the Yule Cat
More Yule Cat stories? We’re glad you asked. We made him the star of our Christmas campaign.
The Yule Cat flies Icelandair
The Yule Cat tested Icelandair’s services – and it seems he has a few notes. Yes, our children's menu is for kids, not, ahem, of kids. We love catering to the needs of all our passengers, but we have to draw the line somewhere.
The Yule Cat’s roast of art
Tales of the Yule Cat and his oddball family have inspired Icelandic artists throughout the years. Here the Yule Cat reviews his cultural impact. Spoiler: He’s not impressed.
The Yule Cat’s Christmas roast
We asked the Yule Cat to taste traditional Icelandic Christmas food. Maybe a professional chef would have been better suited for the job... (Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by the Yule Cat don’t represent the views of Icelandair. We love our Christmas traditions and festive flavors.)
Interview with the Yule Cat
For Icelandic kids, it’s natural to be curious about the mythical creature that looms large at Christmas. And when it comes to asking the tough questions, no one’s better suited for the job than our youngest passengers.
Visit for Christmas in Iceland
Icelanders embrace the Christmas season, ands you’re very welcome to join us.
Come and experience the coziness of December, full of frosty days, glowing nights, and a fun, festive atmosphere. Read all about the unique traditions of an Icelandic Christmas, and check out flights to Iceland to plan a holiday visit. We look forward to welcoming you for a holiday season unlike any other.
Ready to dial up the Christmas magic?
Come and experience a very merry and cozy Christmas in Iceland, full of fine food and fantastical folklore.
