Stinky Fish and Sneaky Trolls? An Icelandic Christmas Story

One of the smelliest holidays in Iceland, there is also Ketkrókur, one of the mischievous Icelandic Yule Lads. Find out his role in the unique traditions of Christmas in Iceland. From the peculiar antics of the 13 Yule Lads to the eerie yet heartwarming legends of Icelandic holiday folklore, this video unpacks the stories that make Iceland's Christmas season so magical.

🎄 Who is Ketkrókur?
Ketkrókur, also known as the "Meat Hook Lad," is one of the 13 Yule Lads who descend from the mountains during the Christmas season in Iceland. Each Yule Lad has their own quirky behavior, and Ketkrókur is no exception! With his trusty meat hook, he sneaks into households on December 23rd, hoping to snag himself some delicious meat. Learn all about his antics, his origins in Icelandic Christmas legends, and how he fits into the larger tradition of the Yule Lads.

🎅 The Icelandic Yule Lads & Grýla
Meet the rest of the Yule Lads, the mischievous sons of the terrifying troll Grýla and her husband Leppalúði. These 13 brothers, including Ketkrókur, bring chaos and laughter to Icelandic homes, leaving small gifts or rotten potatoes in children’s shoes depending on their behavior. Dive into the Icelandic Christmas culture and uncover the folklore that makes these characters so beloved (and sometimes feared!).

🍖 St. Thorlak’s Feast & Skata
December 23rd, the same day Ketkrókur appears, is celebrated in Iceland as Þorláksmessa (St. Thorlak’s Feast). This day is marked by the tradition of eating skata, or fermented skate. While the Yule Lad tries to hook some meat, Icelanders prepare this pungent dish to honor St. Thorlak, Iceland’s patron saint. Find out why skata is a holiday staple and what makes Þorláksmessa a truly unique part of the Icelandic Christmas season.

🎁 Christmas in Iceland
Beyond the Yule Lads, Icelandic Christmas traditions are steeped in folklore and natural beauty. From the gifts left in shoes to the warmth of candlelit homes, every element has a story to tell. We'll explore the connection between the Yule Lads, Icelandic holiday myths, and the magical landscapes that inspire them.

💡 What You'll Learn in This Video

- The story of Ketkrókur and his meat hook antics.
- The origins and evolution of the Icelandic Yule Lads.
- Icelandic Christmas traditions and their ties to folklore.
- Why Icelanders eat skata on Þorláksmessa.
- How Grýla and the Yule Lads continue to captivate Icelanders today.

Whether you’re fascinated by Icelandic culture, curious about holiday myths, or simply love exploring unique traditions, this video will immerse you in the enchanting world of Iceland at Christmastime.

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Time Stamps:

00:00 - 01:17 - About the Smelly holiday
01:17 - 02:29 - Ketkrókur Yule Lad and his brothers
02:29 - 02:55 - Icelandic Poem for Ketkrókur
02:55 - 03:16 - English Poem for Ketkrókur
03:16 - 04:10 - Thoughts about Ketkrókur

[craigwilliamdayton]

If I ever come to Iceland, I think I will skip Stinky Fish Day. 😂😂😂

[jillgaddis]

On a visit to Iceland we were given a taste of Hákarl, almost 20 years ago and I'll never forget the taste. Quickly we were given a shot of Brennivín. Oh my, your eye first squint from the shark, then pop open from the Brennivin. Never again! will I say i'll try it. And the smell of it hanging in the Love the tales of the Yule Lads, thank you

[TheEmpressgoth]

Ewwww and Thanks for sharing ❤❤❤😂😂wiil working

[Cheryl-hw]

Hi Jules, these yule lads are something else! Ive enjoyed learning about them, and the other traditions.

[lahermosajarifa]

Wow! I never knew the fermented skate had such a pungent, long lasting, far traveling smell. Love the name “Meat Hook”!

[jimcyrus]

Jewells, this series has been amazing. I have friends in Iceland and my daughter spent the holidays there years ago. Her friend tried to explain all of this to us and it was just confusing. You on the other hand have pretty much cleared it up. I hope you have an amazing Christmas. Don't let the stinky fish smell get on you!

[mercedessl]

Hi Jules, although I’ve never been to Iceland I have been to the other Scandinavian countries and being, primarily, a fish eater been in my element. I love their fish dishes particularly Gravlax with pressed beetroot marinating into the salmon. Not keen on the meatballs though. Well one to go can’t wait to learn more. This series has been an enjoyable cultural learning experience, thank you. Stay strong, keep smiling and have a fantastic Christmas 🥰

[darriendastar]

Oh dear. I can see fights breaking out between Ketkróku and 'Sausage Swiper'.

[gudmundursturluson]

I'm from Iceland and only two years ago I tried Skata for first time. The low level in potency one.
Jesus Christ....I love fermented shark, but skata is hardcore. I tried my best but I couldn't finish it.
Never again.

[isotropisch]

I like the respectful description, combined with an outsiders perspective that some of these things are really kind of odd. Icelanders are super modern and connected with the world, so I am sure that they are well aware that eating rotten fish while mischievous yule lads roam around is eccentric.

[mark]

I tried it for the first time in Grindavik this year. We found only one restaurant open and it was crowded. At first we thought it was a family event because everyone seemed to know each other. But, it was all the locals. One lady was telling us what each of the food items were. She told us to eat the Skata "at our own risk". I can't smell...but the taste was VERY strong. It was almost like taking a shot of hard liquor. I should have dished up a much SMALLER portion. I couldn't finish what I dished up.

[lovisahafdisardottir]

Skate is popular and many eat it but the tradition is to eat fish on Þorláksmessa not necessary skate any kind of fish will do

[gtofabulas]

Peeeuuuu! But you have to respect the tradition.