The Twelve Terrors of Christmas
Here’s one on my wish list: The Twelve Terrors of Christmas, written by John Updike and illustrated by Edward Gorey.
On Amazon: The Twelve Terrors of Christmas
Scans found in this Flickr set
Here’s one on my wish list: The Twelve Terrors of Christmas, written by John Updike and illustrated by Edward Gorey.
On Amazon: The Twelve Terrors of Christmas
Scans found in this Flickr set
December 21, 2011 at 3:57 pm
Have you ever heard of Grýla? She appears in Icelandic folk lore. She is said to come from the mountains at Christmas time in search of naughty children. Her 13 children, called the yule lads, come to town during the last 13 nights before Christmas, each staying for two weeks before departing. They are naughty as well. There’s pot-licker, who steals left overs from pots, and door slammer, who slams doors in the night. Very interesting story.
I like this approach of getting your kids to behave instead of saying “Santa is watching”. This legend says “if you’re bad, Grýla will come down from the mountain and eat you up in a stew!”. Parenting win. I’m dying to get my hands on the figurines!!
December 21, 2011 at 7:47 pm
It reminds me of Nightmare Before Christmas – I want it too! Haha, it looks awesome.
December 22, 2011 at 1:44 pm
I definitely see the resemblance. 🙂
December 22, 2011 at 3:14 am
You realize now I HAVE to post this too…
December 22, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Go for it, Last Goddess!
December 22, 2011 at 4:22 am
Anything Gorey illustrates is worth owning! He is one I look forward to chatting with on the other side.
December 22, 2011 at 1:43 pm
I agree. He’s positively brilliant.
December 22, 2011 at 6:36 am
OMG I’m putting this book on my wish list too! Great find. I’d love to display it, spread open to one of the “terrors” (though it’d be hard to choose which!), as a holiday decoration…
December 22, 2011 at 1:42 pm
It’s a GREAT holiday coffee table book!
December 23, 2011 at 11:44 am
I love Edward Gorey, how have I never seen this before? ^_^
-Andy
December 23, 2011 at 5:44 pm
I asked myself the same question when I discovered this!