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Backstory: The Yule Lads episode artwork

EPISODE · Dec 20, 2024 · 12 MIN

Backstory: The Yule Lads

from Christmas Past · host Brian Earl

One by one, over a series of nights during Christmastime in Iceland, the Yule Lads come down from a mountain, making mischief, rewarding good behavior and punishing bad. These lovable scamps are unique melding of folkloric traditions, and a reminder that Christmas once was — and still can be — haunted and scary. Terry Gunnell, professor emeritus of folkloristics at the University of Iceland, joins Brian to tell the story. Thanks also to Baldur Gylfa for appearing in this episode!Music in this episode"Momentary Ease" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive"Relaxing Piano" — Uncredited artists, via Pixabay"Tiled Chamber" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive"Ambient Christmas" — Denys Kyshchuk, via Pixabay"The First Noel" — Calvin Clavier, via PixabayConnect with Me Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links Email: [email protected] BooksOf Christmases Long, Long Ago: Surprising Traditions from Christmas Past (2025, Lyons Press and Recorded Books) It's Christmas as you've never seen it before, and it makes a great gift for all the Christmas lovers in your life. Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

What this episode covers

One by one, over a series of nights during Christmastime in Iceland, the Yule Lads come down from a mountain, making mischief, rewarding good behavior and punishing bad. These lovable scamps are unique melding of folkloric traditions, and a reminder that Christmas once was — and still can be — haunted and scary. Terry Gunnell, professor emeritus of folkloristics at the University of Iceland, joins Brian to tell the story. Thanks also to Baldur Gylfa for appearing in this episode! Music in thi...

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Christmas Past?

This episode is 12 minutes long.

When was this Christmas Past episode published?

This episode was published on December 20, 2024.

What is this episode about?

One by one, over a series of nights during Christmastime in Iceland, the Yule Lads come down from a mountain, making mischief, rewarding good behavior and punishing bad. These lovable scamps are unique melding of folkloric traditions, and a reminder...

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