#fjorulalli

[catschimericalcreations]

Fjorulalli / Shore Laddie Plush by Cat’s Chimerical Creations

[bailiesartblog]

#inktober day 5: Shore Laddie or Icelandic Beach Walker, also known as Fjorulalli

The Icelandic beach walker, also known as the Shore Laddie, is one of the most commonly sighted cryptids in Iceland. Sometimes described as otter or dog-like, it is about the size of a ram. It most often appears during sheep mating season and is said to mate with ewes, causing strange and deformed offspring. A farmer was once said to have spotted the Beach Walker bear his heard of sheep. Upon chasing it, the beast scurried off into the ocean.

[corvidaeus]

#29 - Shore Laddie

The shore laddie, or Fjorulalli, is a creature said to roam the coasts of the Westfjords in Iceland. Depictions of the animal vary but it is generally described as being about the size of a sheep, with brown or grey fur that is encrusted with mussels and barnacles, which create a characteristic “jingle” as it moves. The shore laddie is not an aggressive creature and is mainly observed emerging from or entering the sea. It is sometimes said to appear more often around the sheep’s breeding season, and has been accused of impregnating ewes which then give birth to unusually deformed lambs.

[labete-du-gevaudan]

The Fjörulalli, or Shore Laddie, is a creature that is said to be stalking the beaches of Iceland. They’re typically described as a fat, wet seal. The innocent looking animal has a strange attraction to pregnant women. Farmers report that the Fjörulalli also will mate with sheep when given the chance, resulting in lambs with deformed rear legs.

[catschimericalcreations]

Happy 3rd Birthday to How Do the Shore Laddie / Fjorulalli Plushie!

tip jar

[catschimericalcreations]

Happy 3rd Birthday to Rog Fergusson the Shore Laddie / Fjorulalli Frankenplushie!

tip jar

[miles-with-mel]

6 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Iceland 

Like many different countries in Europe, there is a wide variety of beliefs that seem like folk’s tales to those of us from the states. There are tales of elves, trolls, fairies, and many more supernatural creatures. Personally, I have always found Norse mythology extremely interesting and the countries that have these beliefs are always so heartwarming when I visited Iceland, this was evident. Many of the Norse beliefs reside in Scandinavia but were written in Iceland. When learning about the different aspects of Icelandic mythology the first interesting thing that caught my attention was that it is actively taught in their modern culture. 

                  In Iceland, Elves are much like people often referred to as “hidden people” and in the past couple of years there have been many stories about the disruption of potential elf habitats. These magical creatures are said to reside in enchanted caves and rocks except when there are special occasions and then a couple people may be lucky enough to find them wandering around. This is like a fun game of hide and seek for the Icelandic people. The special occasions that they are out of their caves are holidays such as New Year’s Eve and Midsummer. In addition to their hidden locations, they are said to be thinner, taller, much more beautiful than any regular person with pointy ears and are interdimensional. The best way that I can describe Elves as per Norse mythology are by the Elves that are in Lord of the Rings.

                  Although Iceland is a place of great fantasy year around, Icelandic children celebrate the Christmas time with more than one Santa Claus, something most children would live for. There are thirteen different variations of Old Saint Nick known as the Yule Lads. The Yule Lads are supposed to be brothers that are descended from trolls. This sounds scary at first, but it is actually very sweet. Unlike trolls, they do not have a ‘troll like behavior’ and instead bring gifts to the children of Iceland. Each of the thirteen Yule Lads have their own names as well as personality every night, for the thirteen days leading up to Christmas day. In the 1700s, stories of these creatures were said to be terrifying and scared children, but have sense evolved into the wonderful Santa Claus of Iceland. Along with the Yule Lads children are also visited by the Yule Cat. The Yule Cat is supposedly owned by the Yule Lads and Gryla, which is their half-ogre, half-troll mother. Unlike the friendly Yule Lads, the Yule Cat is supposed to be incentive for good behavior by threatening children. The Yule Cat is said to devour those children who do not receive new clothes on Christmas day. 

                  Sea monsters are yet another mythical creature that roam Iceland but instead of the land they roam the seas. Since the Vikings, people have traveled across the Artic seas in hopes of a safe return home. A good place to learn more about sea monsters in Iceland is the Monster Museum in Bildudalur within the Westfjords. Since the 11th century, tales of the terrifying creature that takes the people deep into the sea is the Fjorulalli. Many a fisherman have come home telling tales of the creatures they fought off at sea, but no definitive proof has ever been recorder to this day. 

                  My personal favorite tale in Iceland involves the beautiful little fairies. Much like Elves in that they are said to live cohesively with humans they also entertain the idea that fairies do similar day to day activities as the Icelandic people. In addition, they also are known for having a helping hand when the humans need it.