The Krampus (German: [ˈkʁampʊs]) is a horned anthropomorphic figure who, in the Central and Eastern Alpine folkloric tradition, is said to accompany Saint Nicholas on visits to children during the night of 5 December (Krampusnacht; "Krampus Night"), immediately before the Feast of St. Nicholas on 6 December.

Nov 29, 2013 · Thanks to these images, most Atlas Obscura readers will probably be able to describe Krampus: a distinctly satyr-like devil with dark fur, and incessantly slithering tongue. But then videos...

Mar 17, 2025 · Krampus, in central European popular legend, is a half-goat, half-demon monster that punishes misbehaving children at Christmastime. He is the devilish companion to St. Nicholas. Popular festivities involving Krampus include the Krampus run, in which costumed participates parade through the streets.

Aug 15, 2023 · The origin of Krampus is mostly unknown, but most anthropologists agree that the tradition is pre-Christian, going back to pagan mythology. One authority on the subject believes that Krampus goes as far back as the Wiccan deity of the Horned God of the Witches.

Dec 5, 2018 · Krampus, the half-man, half-goat counterpart to St. Nicholas, has been apart of folklore in Austria’s Alpine region for hundreds of years. Krampus origins begin with pagan celebrations of the...

Nov 28, 2024 · Historians believe Krampus is rooted in ancient pagan traditions, specifically pre-Christian folklore in the Alpine regions. Back then, people had a big focus on nature, the seasons, and appeasing various spirits.

This side is best embodied by Krampus, a fearsome creature with cloven hooves, dark fur, and ominous horns, who emerges from the shadows to terrorize the naughty children of the world. But where did the legend of Krampus originate, and how has his story grown over the years?

Dec 4, 2015 · Krampus' exact origins are just as uncharted as the uncivilized wilds from which he emerges every Dec. 5. Saint Nicholas, that solemn Catholic precursor to jolly old Santa Claus, first gained popularity among German-speaking people during the 11th century.

Jan 31, 2023 · Krampus has had a major resurgence in popularity in the 21st century, plucked from the Dark Ages and reborn as a reminder of why you should definitely try to be good boys and girls. Here's what you should know about him before he comes tapping at your window.

Jan 3, 2025 · Krampus is a half-demon, half-goat, devilish-like creature that terrifies children in central Europe every December. The beast targets naughty children by beating them with birch sticks, and in extreme cases, Krampus will even eat or drag an ill-behaved child to hell.