Download or read book The Legend of the Icelandic Yule Lads written by Heidi Herman and published by . This book was released on 2015-03-11 with total page 48 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Legend of the Yule Lads is well-known among Icelanders and has been passed down from generation to generation for over 1,500 years. The country's rich history of legends and folktales featuring a host of mystical creatures is reflected in this unique Christmas tale about trolls. However, like many of Iceland's legends, the story of the Yule Lads is virtually unknown outside of the country. This particular story can be traced back to 13th Century and the Snorri Sturlson's Edda. The Edda refers to the recognized mother of the Yule Lad's, a horrible ogress named Gryla. In that time, Gryla and her many troll offspring were said to terrorize children, hauling badly behaved children off in great burlap bags to be later eaten. The tales of Gryla and the Yule Lads became so gruesome and disturbing that in 1746 a public decree was issued to forbid parents from using these stories to terrify children. In the years since, the Yule Lads' character has been softened from horrible trolls to mischievous tricksters. As the legend goes, the Yule Lads come down from the mountain, one each day starting 13 days before Christmas. They stay through Christmas Day, then leave, one each day, in the order they arrived. In 1932, a popular poem was written about the Jolasveinarnir [Yule Lads] by Johannes from Kotlum and it first appeared in the book Jolin Koma [Christmas is coming]. As presented in Johannes poem, each of the Yule Lad's name reflects their particular brand of mischief. Stekkjastaur (Sheep Cote Clod) starts things off on December 12th and is best known for stealing sheep's milk. Giljagaur (Gulley-Gawk) arrives the next day and is preoccupied with sneaking into the barn to steal cow's milk. Stufur (Shorty) steals bits of food left on frying pans while Thvorusleikir (Spoon-licker) steals spoons from the kitchen to lick and Pottasleikir (Pot-licker) steals pots and pans for the leftovers. Askasleikir (Bowl-licker) arrives next and sneak awa

Download or read book The Yule Lads written by Brian Pilkington and published by . This book was released on 2001 with total page 25 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Inspired by the book of verses by Jóhannes úr Kötlum, Yuletide is coming, that tells the story of Grýla and her children, the 13 Yule lads: Stekkjarstaur, Giljagaur, Stúfur, Þvörusleikir, Pottasleikir, Askasleikir, Hurðaskellir, Skyrgámur, Bjúgnakrækir, Gluggagægir, Gáttaþefur, Ketkrókur, and Kertasníkir. Each of the Yule lads sets off from the family home in the Highlands and travels on foot over the mountains, making their individual appearances one after the other, on the thirteen nights before Christmas.

Download or read book Yule Lads Legend written by Heidi Herman and published by . This book was released on 2020-09-15 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A modernized version of the Icelandic Yule Lads folk tale. After accidentally being seen by a human, Stekkjastaur finds he must rely on a young shepherd boy to keep his secret. He gives a gift to protect his troll reputation, but the little boy's happiness made him happy as well. He learns that one of the greatest gifts you can receive is the joy in giving to someone else. One by one, the Yule Lads each take a break from his own mischief, and each one learns the happiness gained from gift-giving. Even from a source as unlikely as a troll, a selfish act wrapped up in the Christmas spirit can grow into something wonderful.FULLY ILLUSTRATED

Download or read book The Icelandic Yule Lads written by Ken Barr and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2015-09-02 with total page 40 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Yule Lads have been around for many years, their story unchanged. They are a major part of the holiday season in Iceland. What I have done here is to reinterpret them, through the eyes of an outsider, and to modernize them, just a little. With my original text polished by Editor Jose M. Tirado, the Yule Lads are brought to life with all new, all original illustrations by Danya Esposito. Soon to be a holiday classic...

Download or read book The Guardians of Iceland and other Icelandic Folk Tales written by Heidi Herman and published by Hekla Publishing LLC. This book was released on 2016-10-24 with total page 133 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Trolls and Hidden Folk are a part of daily life in Iceland. This collection of Icelandic folklore and legends comes from the days of the Vikings. The twenty-five short stories are centuries old and have been updated for today's readers of all ages. Children and adults alike will love to delve into this fantastic collection of traditional Icelandic fairy tales and legends. These short stories of trolls, elves with magical powers, and Hidden People have been passed down from generation to generation. First written down hundreds of years ago, the stories are now brought together and updated for a modern audience, so now you too can read about the trolls who freely roamed Iceland, the race of Hidden People with strong magical powers and of the four powerful beings who still protect Iceland from invaders to this day. Packed full of fascinating myths, this collection of folklore is a must for anyone wanting to discover a world of mermaids and mermen, giants, shape-shifting seals and dragons in disguise. 2017 Book Excellence Award Winner for Multicultural Fiction 2018 International Book Awards - Award Winning Finalist in the Category "Fiction: Short Story"

Download or read book Yule Lads Legend written by Heidi Herman and published by . This book was released on 2020-10 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A modernized version of the Icelandic Yule Lads folk tale. After accidentally being seen by a human, Stekkjastaur finds he must rely on a young shepherd boy to keep his secret. He gives a gift to protect his troll reputation, but the little boy's happiness made him happy as well. He learns that one of the greatest gifts you can receive is the joy in giving to someone else. One by one, the Yule Lads each take a break from his own mischief, and each one learns the happiness gained from gift-giving. Even from a source as unlikely as a troll, a selfish act wrapped up in the Christmas spirit can grow into something wonderful.FULLY ILLUSTRATED

Download or read book The Great Weaver From Kashmir written by Halldor Laxness and published by Archipelago. This book was released on 2009-07-10 with total page 457 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From Nobel Prize winner Halldór Laxness “Laxness brought the Icelandic novel out from the ‘sagas' shadow…to read Laxness is also to understand why he haunts Iceland—he writes the unearthly prose of a poet cased in the perfection of a shell of plot, wit, and clarity.” — The Guardian “Finally, finally, an imposing work of fiction, which rises like a cliff from the flatness of Icelandic poetry and fiction of recent years!” —Kristján Albertsson, Vaka 1927 The Great Weaver from Kashmir is Laxness’ first major novel, the book that propelled Icelandic literature into the modern world. Shortly after World War One, Steinn Elliði, a young philosopher-poet dandy, leaves the physical and cultural confines of Iceland’s shores for mainland Europe, seeking to become “the most perfect man on earth.” His journey leads us through a wide range of moral, philosophical, religious, political, and social realms, from hedonism to socialism to aestheticism to Benedictine monasticism. Upon his return to Iceland, Steinn finds himself more conflicted than before, torn between love of the beauty and traditions of his homeland, longing and regret for his great adolescent love, Diljá, and his newfound monastic ideal, forcing him to make choices with fateful consequences. Published when Laxness was only twenty-five years old, The Great Weaver from Kashmir’s radical experimentation caused a stir in Iceland, which would soon reverberate throughout Europe. The Great Weaver is much more than a first major work by a literary master—it is a groundbreaking modernist classic.

Download or read book The Fish Can Sing written by Halldor Laxness and published by Vintage. This book was released on 2008-02-19 with total page 268 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: One of the most beloved novels from the Nobel Prize winner—"a beacon in twentieth-century literature" (Alice Munro, Nobel Prize-winning author of Dear Life). A poignant coming-of-age tale marked with the peculiar Icelandic blend of light irony and dark humor. • With an introduction by Pulitzer Prize-winning author of A Thousand Acres. The orphan Alfgrimur has spent an idyllic childhood sheltered in the simple turf cottage of a generous and eccentric elderly couple. Alfgrimur dreams only of becoming a fisherman like his adoptive grandfather, until he meets Iceland's biggest celebrity. The opera singer Gardar Holm’s international fame is a source of tremendous pride to tiny, insecure Iceland, though no one there has ever heard him sing. A mysterious man who mostly avoids his homeland and repeatedly fails to perform for his adoring countrymen, Gardar takes a particular interest in Alfgrimur’s budding musical talent and urges him to seek out the world beyond the one he knows and loves. But as Alfgrimur discovers that Gardar is not what he seems, he begins to confront the challenge of finding his own path without turning his back on where he came from.

Download or read book Being Santa Claus written by Sal Lizard and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2012-11-08 with total page 170 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A veteran Santa reveals heartwarming true stories and lessons from his twenty-year career spreading Christmas magic. With the holiday shopping season beginning earlier each year, more than ever. Americans are struggling to remember the true meaning of Christmas. And who better to deliver the gift of Christmas inspiration than a man who has spent the last two decades playing Santa? Sal Lizard was in his twenties when his beard and hair turned completely white. Today he appears everywhere from malls and parades to schools and hospitals. And— from his custom-made red velvet suits to the mistletoe that hangs from the rearview mirror in his Santa-mobile—he is Santa Claus three hundred and sixty-five days a year. In Being Santa Claus Sal reflects on his experiences with both children and adults including: Christmas magic is all around us: We don’t always see it, but it is there, shaping and enriching our lives. Sometimes you need to go that extra mile:Santa Claus is the one person who can’t even use a blizzard as an excuse not to honor his commitments, and Sal teaches adults the importance of always showing up for our children. Even a small child can make a big difference: Sal has met some impressive children over the years, and he’s learned that you don’t need to be a grown-up to make an impact on the world around you. In Being Santa Claus Sal shares these lessons, along with often heartwarming, occasionally heartbreaking, and sometimes downright hysterical stories from his twenty-year career as Santa.

Download or read book The Icelandic Yule Lads written by Heidi Herman and published by . This book was released on 2018-12-03 with total page 54 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Icelandic Yule Lads modern-day misadventures through Scandinavia put them in hot water with Santa. A traditional Icelandic folktales with a new twist and warmhearted Christmas themes, this is a wonderful addition to any holiday story collection.

Download or read book The Book of the Settlement of Iceland written by Ari Thorgilsson (the Learned) and published by . This book was released on 1898 with total page 300 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book The Silence of the Sea written by Yrsa Sigurdardottir and published by Minotaur Books. This book was released on 2016-02-16 with total page 368 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Winner of the Petrona Award 2015! From the queen of Icelandic crime fiction comes a truly chilling story that will leave readers breathless right up to the memorable ending. This is possibly her best book yet. Bestselling and award-winning Icelandic crime author Yrsa Sigurdardóttir has produced here a dazzling display of brilliant crime writing that is both groundbreaking and immensely satisfying. As The Silence of the Sea opens, a luxury yacht crashes into a Reykjavik pier. But the boat is empty; no one is on board. What has happened to the crew? And what has happened to the family who were very much present when the yacht left Lisbon? What should Thora Gudmundsdottir, the series sleuth, make of the rumors that the vessel was cursed? She is spooked even more when she boards the yacht and thinks she sees one of the missing children. Where is Karitas, the glamorous young wife of the yacht's former owner? And whose is the body that has washed up further along the shore? The most chilling novel yet from Yrsa Sigurdardottir, an international best-selling author at the height of her powers.

Download or read book On with the Butter written by Heidi Herman and published by Hekla Publishing LLC. This book was released on 2020-08-14 with total page 185 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A motivational gift book filled with inspiration and ideas to add more vitality and activity into everyday life.this book offers a wide variety of activities and challenges, along with inspiring and heartwarming stories. Discover ways to explore, play, take, chances, try new things, make a difference, and have more fun in life. You're the activities director, and On with the Butter! is your guidebook. Genre: Non-Fiction / Retirement / Aging / Self-Help / Motivational

Download or read book King Harald s Saga written by Snorri Sturluson and published by Penguin UK. This book was released on 2005-04-28 with total page 253 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This compelling Icelandic history describes the life of King Harald Hardradi, from his battles across Europe and Russia to his final assault on England in 1066, less than three weeks before the invasion of William the Conqueror. It was a battle that led to his death and marked the end of an era in which Europe had been dominated by the threat of Scandinavian forces. Despite England's triumph, it also played a crucial part in fatally weakening the English army immediately prior to the Norman Conquest, changing the course of history. Taken from the Heimskringla - Snorri Sturluson's complete account of Norway from prehistoric times to 1177 - this is a brilliantly human depiction of the turbulent life and savage death of the last great Norse warrior-king.

Download or read book Last Rituals written by Yrsa Sigurdardottir and published by Harper Collins. This book was released on 2009-10-13 with total page 502 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: At a university in Reykjavík, the body of a young German student is discovered, his eyes cut out and strange symbols carved into his chest. Police waste no time in making an arrest, but the victim's family isn't convinced that the right man is in custody. They ask Thóra Gudmundsdóttir, an attorney and single mother of two, to investigate. It isn't long before Thóra and her associate, Matthew Reich, uncover the deceased student's obsession with Iceland's grisly history of torture, execution, and witch hunts. But there are very contemporary horrors hidden in the long, cold shadow of dark traditions. And for two suddenly endangered investigators, nothing is quite what it seems . . . and no one can be trusted.

Download or read book The Shadow District written by Arnaldur Indridason and published by Vintage Books. This book was released on 2018-03 with total page 368 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: OLD CRIMES, NEW CONSEQUENCES THE PAST In wartime Reykjavik, a young woman is found strangled behind the National Theatre, a rough and dangerous area of the city known as 'the shadow district'. An Icelandic detective and a member of the American military police are on the trail of a brutal killer. THE PRESENT A 90-year-old man is discovered dead on his bed, smothered with his own pillow. Konrad, a former detective now bored with retirement, finds newspaper cuttings in the dead man's home reporting the shadow district murder that date back to the second world war. It's a crime that Konrad remembers, having grown up in the same neighbourhood. A MISSING LINK Why, after all this time, would an old crime resurface? Did the police arrest the wrong man? How are these cases linked across the decades? Will Konrad's link to the past help him solve the case and finally lay the ghosts of wartime Reykjavik to rest? THE SHADOW DISTRICT IS THE FIRST IN A MAJOR NEW SERIES OF NOVELS FROM THE WORLDWIDE BESTSELLER ARNALDUR INDRIDASON

Download or read book The Yule Boys written by Gay Strandemo and published by . This book was released on 2018-09-15 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: