26. The Ogress Grýla Will Cook You in a Pot
Grýla, a figure from Icelandic mythology, stands out in Christmas folklore as a fearsome lady ogre with a chilling appetite for naughty children. This menacing character brings a dark twist to the festive season, embodying a threat far grimmer than missing out on gifts. In 1746, Icelandic authorities, recognizing the sheer terror Grýla instilled in children, issued a decree to stop invoking her and the Yule Lads in tales, as they were deemed too frightening.
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This led to the creation of songs that proclaimed Grýla’s demise. However, some of these songs ominously hint at her potential return, should the ranks of misbehaving children ever swell, keeping her menacing legacy alive in Icelandic Christmas traditions.