We find them in Christmas stories, ready to play pranks and help Santa Claus in his mission. But who are the Christmas elves really?
In the collective imagination, and especially for children, Santa Claus is never alone in his adventures. He is accompanied by his faithful reindeer and his inseparable Christmas elves. These little characters, recognizable among thousands, stand out for their emblematic outfit: a red tunic, a white collar, red and white striped tights, and a large matching hat, sometimes decorated with bells. Depending on the version, they can also be seen in green and red. They play a vital role in working with Santa to make and distribute gifts to children around the world. But they are also known for pulling some serious pranks.
What is the story of Christmas elves?
Christmas elves have their roots in Icelandic legends and myths around Santa Claus. Known as jólasveinarthese thirteen little characters, mischievous but also benevolent, appear during the end-of-year holidays. Their main mission, entrusted by Santa Claus, is to observe the actions of each child to report back to him.
According to tradition, thirteen days before Christmas, each elf comes down to town, one after the other, to visit the children. Their visit is marked by rewards or sanctions: those who have been good receive a small gift, while the most turbulent ones are left with a rotten potato. In Iceland, children then place their shoes on the edge of the window to welcome the surprise left by the elf.
Who is the prankster elf?
Another legend tells the story of a particularly mischievous leprechaun. This little prankster, who spends the year helping Santa Claus by making presents for the children, becomes very active as the holidays approach. During the night, he visits houses to play all kinds of tricks and make funny jokes. But as soon as daybreak comes, it freezes, giving the impression of never having moved.
What are the names of all the Christmas elves?
Christmas elves all have their own name and character. In order there are:
- Stekkjarstaur (translation Harassmentsheep) : he has a wooden leg and he harasses the sheep to suck their milk;
- Giljagaur (Ravineur) : he likes to steal buckets of milk;
- Stúfur (Courtaud) : he is very small and he grabs the frying pans to lick the remaining cooking grease;
- Þvörusleikir (Spoon lick) : he is very thin and he steals the wooden spoons to lick the Christmas stew;
- Pottaskefill (Scraperpot) : he has the habit of stealing leftovers from meals;
- Askasleikir (Lickbol) : he also steals the bowls in which there is food left;
- Hurðaskellir (Claquedoor) : he also likes to slam doors in the middle of the night and prevent people from sleeping;
- Skyrgámur (Gobeyahourt) : he enjoys eating all the yogurts he finds;
- Bjúgnakrækir (Sausage Chips) : he steals all the sausages that are being smoked;
- Gluggagægir (Zieutewindow) : he watches through windows and does not hesitate to steal things he likes;
- Gáttaþefur (Snifflegate) : with his big nose, he locates bread to steal it;
- Ketkrókur (Crochemeat) : he steals all the meat he finds with a hook.
- Kertasníkir (Volebougie) : he steals the candles and has fun putting them out.
