The character of Santa Claus is likely a mixture of a few folk stories. The Vikings believed in Odin who was believed to be the king of gods. They believed that he would come visit earth during Yule and bring gifts to those who were faithful to him. There is even a female figure to add to the creation of Santa Claus. Frau Holda was a German goddess who delivered gifts and in some stories would enter homes through a chimney. The imagery of Santa may be traced back to the Saxon belief of nature deities who would appear around the solstice and had long beards and crowns of mistletoe.