Askasleikir

Askasleikir, also known as “Bowl-Licker” in English, is one of the Yule Lads, (“Jólasveinarnir” in Icelandic), who makes his visit to Icelandic households and communities on 17 December. The Yule Lads are a group of 13 mischievous characters, each with their unique personalities and behaviors. Let’s delve into the specific characteristics and folklore associated with Askasleikir:

Askasleikir is often depicted as a thin and wiry figure with a somewhat scrawny appearance. His physical traits are reflective of his singular obsession with bowls and his penchant for indulging in their contents.

His primary mischievous behaviour concerns his fascination with bowls of food. During his nighttime visits to Icelandic households, he seeks out bowls that have been left unattended and licks them clean. His goal is to savour any leftover food remnants, especially anything that might have been sticking to the sides or bottom of the bowl.

Like many of the other Yule Lads, Askasleikir is characterised as cautious, preferring to operate discreetly. He avoids direct interaction with humans and carries out his bowl-licking activities in secret.