Weihnachtsmann, Saint Nicholas and Krampus (2024)

FAQs

How is Krampus related to St. Nicholas? ›

Krampus, in central European popular legend, a half-goat, half-demon monster that punishes misbehaving children at Christmastime. He is the devilish companion of St. Nicholas. Krampus is believed to have originated in Germany, and his name derives from the German word Krampen, which means “claw.”

On Christmas Eve, Krampus travels with a sack or a basket strapped to his back; this is to cart off evil children for drowning, eating, or transport to Hell.

Through most of Germany, St. Nicholas is assisted by a character named Knecht Ruprecht, in Switzerland by Schmutzli, in France and Luxembourg by Père Fouettard, in the Netherlands by Zwarte Piet, and in Slovenia by Parkelj. In Southern Germany and Austria, St. Nicholas' counterpart is Krampus.

Apparently created to strike terror in the hearts and minds of small children — and quite a few adults, too — Krampus traditionally carries a ruten bundle, or birch rod, to whip those who have misbehaved and chains to bind those who have strayed from the straight and narrow.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas each year, parades are held throughout many of Austria's alpine villages in honor of Krampus, a demonic creature said to be the "evil twin" of St. Nicholas.

His name originates with the German krampen, which means "claw," and tradition has it that he is the son of the Norse god of the underworld, Hel. During the 12th century, the Catholic Church attempted to banish Krampus celebrations because of his resemblance to the devil.

The Krampus is seen on antique Christmas cards whipping children, licking them with a spiked tongue, or leading a chain gang of sorrowful naughty children. It's disturbing, but has evolved from a long tradition of dark fairy tales.

He is neither good or evil, as Krampus is a symbol of punishment or retribution. This folklore began in 12th century Germany, but has stretched as far as the United States when immigrants brought stories of a half man, half goat creature stealing bad children so he could devour them in his lair.

Krampus's name is derived from the German word krampen, meaning claw, and is said to be the son of Hel in Norse mythology. The legendary beast also shares characteristics with other scary, demonic creatures in Greek mythology, including satyrs and fauns.

Children who have been naughty for the year receive more than just a lump of coal for the holiday season from Krampus. He is known to chases bad children around with sticks or chains, hitting them and even kidnapping them as punishment, depicted in this 1910 postcard.

How tall is Krampus? ›

He is usually drawn covered in black or brown hair and has a dominating presence, towering over humans at 8 or 9 feet tall. Krampus also came to represent the oncoming dark nights and the difficulty of surviving the Alps in the frigid winter. The name itself comes from the German word krampen, which means claw.

Max sincerely apologizes for losing his spirit; although Krampus seems to accept his apology, he still tosses Max in as well. Max awakens in his bed on Christmas morning and discovers his family alive and well downstairs, concluding what happened was just a nightmare.

It takes 3 blasts from the Ice Staff to freeze Krampus and 1 shot from a Sleep Dart to put him to sleep. When killed, Krampus will drop any stolen items, two pieces of Charcoal, one Monster Meat, and, very rarely, his Krampus Sack (1% chance).

Bells signal his arrival, and chains symbolically bind him to the Catholic Church. He is, after all, St. Nicolas's hellish minion.” A mother and son in their costumes, including baskets full of stand-ins for the naughty children sometimes carried off by Krampus.

Traditionally, on this suspenseful evening, children would leave a shoe outside their door. The next morning, they would get their first warning - if they'd behaved, their shoe would be full of presents left by the Saint. If they'd been naughty, Krampus would leave a birch stick as a warning that he was onto them.

Many believe that the origin of Krampus predates Christianity, and there is no doubt that there are some interesting parallels between his lore and that of other Pagan figures, but it isn't until Saint Nicholas and his holiday that Krampus really started to make an impression.

They first landed in a small town. Santa delivered his presents while Krampus, surprisingly gentle, left a piece of coal for the naughty children. As the night progressed, Santa and Krampus found a rhythm. They worked together seamlessly, spreading joy and delivering lessons.

Krampus, also known as the Christmas Devil and the Christmas Demon, is a demonic accomplice of Saint Nicholas/Santa Claus who appears in various legends within most European countries, most notably Austria and Hungary.

Nicholas, who rewarded children with sweets. Krampus, in contrast, would swat "wicked" children, stuff them in a sack, and take them away to his lair. According to folklore, Krampus purportedly shows up in towns the night of December 5, known as Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night.