Krampus

DemonGermany · Western EuropeLegendFear 8/10

Description

Horned Christmas demon who punishes naughty children with birch switches

Origin & Background

The origin of Krampus is uncertain. Some folklorists and anthropologists argue that Krampus may have pre-Christian origins, but historians generally consider this unlikely. Krampus was not documented until the 16th century. Krampus is typically depicted as a horned man, with one foot resembling a grotesque human foot and the other a goat's foot. He is usually covered in black fur and has a very long tongue resembling that of a snake or dragon. Due to these characteristics, Krampus is increasingly used as a character in horror costumes and films.

The Legend

Krampus is passed down in the folklore traditions of the Central and Eastern Alps as a horned figure who visits children alongside Saint Nicholas. On December 5th, known as Krampusnacht (Krampus Night), Krampus punishes children who have behaved badly, while Saint Nicholas gives small gifts to the good children. Krampus is often depicted carrying chains, which are considered a symbol of the devil being bound by the Christian church. He sometimes carries birch branches to hit children, which in some depictions are replaced with a whip. Krampus serves the role of taking away wicked children or leading them to hell.

Variants

Krampus appears in the folklore of Austria, Bavaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, northern Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In many regions of Slovenia, Krampus is referred to as parkelj, which is one of the companions of Slovenia's Saint Nicholas, Miklavž. Similar figures such as Strohbart in Bavaria, Klaubauf(mann) in Austria and Bavaria, and Bartl or Bartel, Niglobartl, Wubartl in the southern regions have been recorded.

In Popular Culture

Krampus has been imported and adapted into various media in North America. For example, the 2004 vintage postcard collection 'Krampus: The Devil of Christmas' by Monte Beauchamp, the 2012 novel 'Krampus: The Yule Lord' by Gerald Brom, the 2013 comic series 'Krampus' by Image Comics, and the 2015 Christmas comedy horror film 'Krampus' by Universal Pictures. Krampus has also inspired various seasonal consumer goods and themed merchandise, with mainstream Krampus-themed products being produced in the United States.

This article is based on the Wikipedia article "Krampus" (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikipedia