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Krampus: An Evil Christmas Legend

You probably know about Santa Claus - the benevolent, white-bearded Christmas gift giver- but are you familiar with his sinister counterpart, Krampus? Unlike Santa Claus, Krampus is not fully human; he is a giant, goat-man hybrid. Instead of bringing gifts and cheer to holiday revelers, Krampus comes at Christmas to terrify and punish people for their naughty misdeeds.

The legend of Krampus became especially popular in Austria during the 18th century. In recent years it has become a more widespread fascination for people interested in the dark side of the Christmas season. Renderings of Krampus can be horrifying. He is often depicted as covered in black fur with a long scraggly grey beard and enormous horns protruding from his skull. He also has long, sharp fangs for teeth.

Krampus isn’t just scary looking, he’s also incredibly mean and violent. He carries metal chains and a whip made of birch branches with which he lashes those who make his naughty list. So as Christmas Day approaches, be sure to treat everyone with kindness. Spread the holiday spirit to keep Santa jolly. And don’t be naughty, or else you may be greeted late in the darkness of Christmas Eve by the sound of heavy footsteps and jangling chains. And in the shadows you may see the giant, horned frame of a monstrous figure, and you’ll find Krampus has come to repay you for your evil deeds…