In this episode, we’ll be exploring the folklore around the "nisse," a Norwegian house spirit, found throughout Scandinavia (by different names).  I’ll read the story  “Round the Yule Log,” by P. Chr. Asbjornsen which includes several folktales.  Further, we’ll reflect on the negative stereotype of the old maid.  What should we do with the stories from the past that no longer fit with our modern sensibilities? Story: from  P. Chr. Asbjornsen, “Round the Yule-Log"  In Christmas in Norway. Boston, MA: Colonial Press, 1895. (Found at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/31993/31993-h/31993-h.htm).  Cover photo: From one of the many unidentified illustrators in the book, perhaps  Hans Gude or  Vincent Stoltenberg Lerche  (artists, please sign your work!). Music:  The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com).  Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.  http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/. Copyright 2023 Kathy Shimpock.