Gryla the Christmas Witch

Country: Iceland
 
When: Christmas period, Yule or Jól
 
In the darkest part of Icelandic winter, when the sun rises briefly leaving the frost bound landscape in darkness for the majority of the day, mythical creatures such as Elves, Trolls and the Giantess Witch Gryla hold dominion over the land. First appearing in the Nordic tales from the 13th Century, Gryla from the 17th century appears as a giant figure hideous to behold, who during winter emerges from her cave in the mountains of the Dimmuborgir lava fields in the dead of night, to stalk and kidnap children who have misbehaved; placing them in a huge sack, whereupon they are cooked into a stew. 

Among her companions is the Yule Cat, who lives in the same cave. Gryla is also the mother of the Yule Lads, her 13 sons who steal, harass and prank the surrounding area during the Christmas period. 
 
Image is orginal Inspired by the Christmas mythology and comes on a wooden slice and hung with ribbon, the text of the myth as above is also displayed on the back of the ornament.