Beyond Santa Claus and Ded Moroz, the real Arctic winter wizard is Yamal Iri, the “Grandfather of Yamal,” a localized Christmas figure from the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Russia. We uncover his unique powers: not just gift-giving, but utilizing a shamanic drum made with ancient Nenets technology to drive away evil spirits and bestow positive energy. Discover why this Siberian hero wears a functional reindeer-skin malitsa, carries ancient mammoth bone jewelry , and how his tradition, rooted in Indigenous culture, offers a spiritual alternative to the global legend of Santa Claus.
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Special thanks to:
The Christmas Song/Heaven/Slow 3/4 Song by Peter Evans, Tom Blancarte, and Brandon Seabrook – CC by 3.0
Santa Claws is Coming by Ergo Phizmiz – CC by 3.0
holiday by Dee Yan-Key – CC by 3.0
Listen to this episode of the Lost Christmas Podcast
Author: The Chronicler
Title: Arctic Shaman Santa?! Meet Yamal Iri, The Grandfather of the End of the World






















