#door-slammer

[guardianmajor]

If you’re spending the holidays here in Reykjavik, be sure to keep an eye out for Sausage-Swiper, Window-Peeper, and Door-Slammer. They’re three of the Yule Lads, a group of 13 mischievous pranksters who—according to local folklore—visit homes one by one to leave rewards or punishments for children on each of the 13 days leading up to Christmas. Tonight, the Gully Gawk is scheduled for a visitation, waiting for an opportunity to sneak into the cowshed and steal milk. Modern versions of the lads sometimes portray them in a benevolent light, even dressed like Santa Claus, but other stories are dark. The lads are said to be the sons of Gryla, a mountain troll with an appetite for mischievous children. Let’s hope we’re on the nice list this year.

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[literary-doodley-squat]

Come to the Death Room, Fall in Love! ;)

The Masque of the Red Death Allegories: by Lucy

Allegorical meaning of the 7th room (according to the notes I gave my English teacher): The 7th room is the last room in Prince Prospero’s mansion, so it can mean the end of the story, as well as the end of everyone’s life. This is proved correct when Prospero follows the uninvited guest into the room, and dies as soon as he crosses the threshold. Afterwards, everyone catches the red death and meets their bloody demise.

Allegorical meaning of the 7th room (according to the notes I did not give my English teacher): Red is often a symbol of love, so you probably already know where I’m going with this. The uninvited guest, after being intimidated by his love, ran to the death room. Prospero followed, and was instantly struck dead by his love for the guest. Come to the death room, fall in love. And die.