I'm Laura Norton, and this is one strange thing, the show where we search the nation's

news archives for stories that can't quite be explained.

If you'll forgive us, strangers, we'd like to start today with a tidbit that you probably have been, and probably will be, subjected to, in this last month of the year.

We think it's likely that you know Dasher and dancer and Prancer and vixen and comet and Cupid and Daughter and Blitzen. Perhaps you'll recall the most famous

reindeer of all, Rudolph. And even if gossipy flying deer aren't your thing, you probably

know Frosty the Snowman. and of course, Santa Claus.

Younger listeners might lump some others into the same camp.

Say your elf on a shelf, which is now, for some reason, a whole cinematic universe.

Maybe you little freaks even know about Crampus.

Now we're going to say something controversial, yet we feel brave.

We propose that all of these Yuletide figures are, in their way, cryptids.

Think about it.

All you really need for a cryptid is a mythos, and some belief, right?

The subject of today's story should absolutely count as such.

Cryptids are monsters, even festive ones.

And, after all, when you think of the holiday season,

togetherness, treats, peace on earth, and all of that,

what does the season conjure up for you,

if not a giant cat that eats ungrateful children? Everyone does the holidays differently.

So please, have some respect for the Nordic people. Yes, strangers, today we are heading to Iceland. And just in case

any of you speak the language, we apologize in advance for the pronunciations you are about to have to

hear. In our defense, Iceland is very fond of consonants, and we're not sure that they have been

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