The Legend of the Icelandic Yule Lads
not part of a series
on Goodreads (69)
What’s inside...
The Legend of the Icelandic Yule Lads explores the rich Icelandic folklore centered around the 13 mythical Yule Lads who visit children during the Christmas season. The book delves into the unique stories, personalities, and roles of each Yule Lad in the Icelandic Christmas traditions, from mischievous pranksters to benevolent gift-givers. The narrative follows Stekkjastaur, who, after being accidentally seen by a human, relies on a young shepherd to keep his troll identity a secret. This encounter leads Stekkjastaur and the other Yule Lads to discover the joy of giving, transforming their roles in the modern Icelandic celebrations. The book blends historical context with imaginative storytelling, providing insights into the evolution of these figures from being used as a tool to discourage bad behavior in children to becoming cherished symbols of the holiday spirit.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about the actions of the Yule Lads? Would you have done anything differently if you were one of them?
Which Yule Lad was your favorite and why?
How do you think the villagers felt about the Yule Lads visiting them?
What lessons can we learn from the stories of the Yule Lads?
How do the Yule Lads compare to other mythical figures you know about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for each Yule Lad to make the storytelling vivid and engaging.
After reading the book, ask your child to draw their favorite Yule Lad and explain why they chose that one.
Encourage your child to think about the morals behind each Yule Lad’s story and discuss how these lessons can apply to their everyday life.
Link the adventures of the Yule Lads to your child’s experiences with holidays and traditions, fostering a connection between the book and personal memories.
End each reading session by predicting what might happen next, keeping them excited and engaged for future readings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Sharing and generosity
Explanation: The Yule Lads, once known for causing mischief, now bring gifts to children. This transformation highlights the importance of sharing and giving.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to share their belongings and time with others, fostering a sense of community and kindness.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Each Yule Lad has a specific behavior or trait, and the story explores how their actions affect others, teaching children that all actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to think about how their behavior affects those around them, promoting personal responsibility and empathy.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and appreciation
Explanation: The book introduces children to Icelandic folklore and traditions, giving them insight into a different culture.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore and respect diverse cultures, expanding their worldview and promoting inclusiveness.