The Christmas Cat / Jóhannes úr Kötlum

The Jólakötturinn, Iceland's legendary Christmas Cat, has captivated imaginations for generations through the works of celebrated poet Jóhannes úr Kötlum. According to folklore, this mysterious creature roams during the holiday season with intentions ranging from mischievous to menacing—some tales describe him stealing food and festive treats, while darker versions paint a far more sinister picture. The true origins of the Jólakötturinn remain shrouded in mystery, a fact immortalized in Jóhannes úr Kötlum's renowned verse, which famously notes that no one truly knows where this enigmatic beast comes from or where it vanishes to when the season ends.