Who Is Krampus?

[Jazzy]

Krampus isn't exactly the stuff of dreams: Bearing horns, dark hair, and fangs, the anti-St. Nicholas comes with a chain and bells that he lashes about, along with a bundle of birch sticks meant to swat naughty children. He then hauls the bad kids down to the underworld.

We wondered: What are the origins of this "Christmas Devil"?

Krampus, whose name is derived from the German word krampen, meaning claw, 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.

The legend is part of a centuries-old Christmas tradition in Germany, where Christmas celebrations begin in early December.

Krampus was created as a counterpart to kindly St. Nicholas, who rewarded children with sweets. Krampus, in contrast, would swat "wicked" children and take them away to his lair.

According to folklore, Krampus purportedly shows up in towns the night before December 6, known as Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night. December 6 also happens to be Nikolaustag, or St. Nicholas Day, when German children look outside their door to see if the shoe or boot they'd left out the night before contains either presents (a reward for good behavior) or a rod (bad behavior).

A more modern take on the tradition in Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic involves drunken men dressed as devils, who take over the streets for a Krampuslauf—a Krampus Run of sorts, when people are chased through the streets by the "devils."

Why scare children with a demonic, pagan monster? Maybe it's a way for humans to get in touch with their animalistic side.

Source

Have you ever heard of Krampus?

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

Yeah on American Dad's most recent episode

 

[DrLeftover]

I think I posted a picture of him on here a couple of years ago during a Christmas discussion.

 

[Evil Eye]

That looks like an interesting sort of book.

I think I posted a picture of him on here a couple of years ago during a Christmas discussion.

Yup: http://offtopix.com/showthread.php?tid=14420&pid=234991#pid234991

 

[Jazzy]

^ Going to buy the book?

 

[Evil Eye]

Nope, it takes forever for me to read German and I'd probably need a dictionary. Much too tedious basically.

 

[Raven]

More behind Krampus and Santa below

http://www.tor.com/blogs/2013/12/the-krampus-is-coming-to-town

I actually need to get this book, looks very interesting.

Heres another good one. http://pells.blogspot.co.uk/2008/12/history-of-krampus-no-it-is-not-punk.html

 

[Jazzy]

More behind Krampus and Santa below

http://www.tor.com/blogs/2013/12/the-krampus-is-coming-to-town

I actually need to get this book, looks very interesting.

Just from what I read from the link you provided, it does indeed look like a very interesting book. If you do get it and read it, I hope you let us know if you liked it or not.

 

[Raven]

Will do, just bought it on Amazon.

The other link I posted goes into alot more detail of the relation between Krampus and St Nicholas.

 

[Jazzy]

Will do, just bought it on Amazon.

Wow, that was fast! Glad you ordered it and can't wait to hear if you liked it or not.