It's almost Christmas and tonight the kids in Iceland are putting their shoes for the last time.
Because tonight, Kertasníkir is expected.
He is the candle thief!

This character really stems from ancient times: back in the day, when people were still living in peat houses (and that's not so long ago, Ingi, our host is still born in a peat house), they didn't have electricity yet.
One was therefore dependent on the light of candles, and they were often made of animal fat with a wick in it.

It is suspected that Kertasníkir was so hungry that he ate the animal fat and ate the candle.
Nowadays, there is electricity (and the internet) all over Iceland, and so Kertasníkir has nothing more to eat on the candles.
Still, he still comes to get them (possibly to brighten the den of Grýla a bit)?)!

So put a (extinguished) candle in front of your window tonight, and possibly a snack for Kertasníkir.
He then (if you've been sweet) leaves a gift, and otherwise. the last potato.

..........................

Today in Iceland is also Porláksmessa, the day when people set up the Christmas tree en masse, make the last shopping, and the fermented stingray is ready. This one has been fermenting (rot) in containers for weeks. It seems that you can smell the smell of acetone, which is spread by the fish all over Reykjavik. The fish is eaten, and washed down with a big drink, a real Icelandic tradition (horror!).

When I was in Iceland last summer, I had the opportunity to see on the private grounds of our host and lady, Ingi and Unnur a cave where Irish monks lived in the 17th century.
This cave is located on Ingi's grounds and contains runes.
It was a unique insight into the past!
Those monks probably also used the candles that were made from animal fat.

Today's photos were taken by me in the cave. You see: the earthquake protection of the monks (the sloping stones), and some runes, designated and highlighted by Unnur. It's always around 10 degrees in the cave, and always very humid.
Many thanks to Unnur and Ingi for their hospitality!

#fiftyshadesofgreen #yulelads #christmas #iceland #gryla #santaboys #Loasnest #grot #eggmonks #thankyou