The story of Krampus is one that has been told for hundreds of years, and nobody quite has a concrete origin story. Some say it sprung up from parents attempting to fear their unrulily children into submission, others say it bridges from pagan folklores and days of old-time worship of the wind spirit (some even claiming it links to winter solstice) and deep Alpine tradition. However, I was always told and taught it origins descending out of Germany, which will be what I share with you. Despite how many different tales of creepy Krampus have varied among the regions, homes, and times, some things have remained the same. Who wants to learn a fun tale of Krampus tradition and fear?!
The tales of Krampus can be traced as far back as the 12th Century and possibly even further depending on translations and oral traditions that bridge cultures. Traditionally Krampus celebrations stem mostly from Bavaria and Austria. Back in the 1100's in Europe was when the first recorded reports of Krampus were even found, amongst the medieval times, the catholic church and their depiction of the devil, held striking resemblance and many believe that the church has something to do with its strong education and following even today. Some even believe the church paired it with Saint Nicholas as a way of teaching the misdeeds/morals and fear of the devil and punishment to small children, thus building their own future believers. Regardless of your beliefs or opinions of its deep history, some things are consistent, his appearance and purpose.
Krampus is depicted as a half-goat and half demon creature. Krampus is always covered in dark black, red-ish brown, or gray fur, usually matted and course, covering his entire body. He has horns sometimes two, sometimes four, that curl backwards and twist in knurled ways on top of his head. His hands are sharp claws, and his legs are that of a goat with hooves. Krampus walks on two legs and has a large mouth paired with an almost snake like tongue (long, thick, and forks at the end). He is often described with fangs sometimes two and sometimes a whole mouth full of terrifyingly sharp teeth that can easily rip flesh from bone. Most describe his ears pointed and long, and some describe his eyes as large, evil, and glowing, while other describe them as cold and soul-less. He is seen often carrying large brass or metal bells either tied to his waist or his legs. His body is depicted as covered in chains with a wooden woven basket or leather sack on his back that is magical and enchanted (often said to be saved for the truly wicked to transport them to the underworld). Krampus is said to carry many items depending on your culture of which to whip, beat, and capture children. He can be known to hold birch branches or switches, wooden pitchforks, torches, and/or horsehair tail whips.
Most traditions now-a-days depict Krampus traveling alongside Saint Nicholaus on the night of December 5th, (the night before St. Nicholas Day - Dec 6th) to collect all the naughty children and punish them. Now it's said that they strolled through the streets at night, tearing children from their beds and some from their hiding places. In some stories it's at the behest of St. Nicholaus, and others it's by Krampus himself. Some tales are mild, while others are downright WILD! Krampus has been known to whip children and given them a stern talking to and send them on their way "until next year" (this is the mild version). While others depict him stealing children, whipping them, beating them, dragging them into the street to be put into his magical sack to be carried back to his laree (the underworld). From there one of two things were said to occur.... he either ate the children or he punished them for all eternity having them live out punishments for their wrong doings. Not a single parent would stop him or intervene, for they knew he was in the right and only the naughty children were ever taken and punished (this is the WILDER versions).
At its very core, the great tradition of Krampus and Saint Nicholas serves as a dualistic teaching, one of both light and dark, as well as, serving a reminder that all actions have consequences. Saint Nicholas rewards the good children with praise and gifts, while Krampus punishes those who misbehave with whips and even enslavement or death. Giving the not-so-subtle reminder of the balance between order and chaos. Some will argue that Krampus is evil, because he punishes, while others will say he is just, because he only punishes the deserving at the behest of his counterpart Saint Nicholas. Regardless of what you believe or how you perceive it, the tradition is as old as time and the tales are fun to listen to. Below I have placed two common folklore tales of Krampus visits, one being milder and the other being wilder.
I hope you have a Merry Krampus Christmas Today! And A Happy Holiday!
The Tale of Krampus and the Naughty Children
Once upon a time, in a small village nestled in the snowy Alps, the winter nights grew long and cold as Christmas approached. In this village, the children eagerly awaited St. Nicholas' arrival, hoping for gifts and treats to fill their stockings. However, they also knew of another, more fearsome visitor—the dreaded Krampus.
Krampus was a creature of nightmares, with cloven hooves, shaggy fur, and twisted horns. He carried a bundle of birch branches for swatting naughty children and a large sack for carrying away the worst offenders. The villagers believed that Krampus traveled with St. Nicholas, punishing the misbehaving children while St. Nicholas rewarded the good ones.
In the weeks leading up to St. Nicholas' Day, the children of the village were on their best behavior. Well, most of them, anyway. There were three siblings—Hans, Greta, and Ludwig—who were particularly mischievous. They played pranks, disobeyed their parents, and caused trouble wherever they went.
One chilly evening, as the village prepared for St. Nicholas' arrival, the three siblings decided to sneak out and play in the forest. Their parents had warned them to stay indoors, but the children paid no heed. As they frolicked among the trees, the wind began to howl, and an eerie silence fell over the forest.
Suddenly, a shadowy figure emerged from the darkness—it was Krampus, with his glowing red eyes and menacing grin. The children froze in fear as Krampus approached, his heavy footsteps crunching in the snow. He towered over them, raising his birch branches high.
"Have you been naughty or nice?" Krampus growled.
Hans, Greta, and Ludwig trembled and confessed their misdeeds. Krampus swatted them lightly with his branches, and they winced, realizing the consequences of their actions.
"You have one chance to make things right," Krampus said, his voice booming. "Go back to the village, apologize to your parents, and promise to be good. If you fail to do so, I will return."
With that, Krampus vanished into the darkness. The children hurried back to the village, their hearts pounding. They apologized to their parents and vowed to be well-behaved. The villagers, hearing their story, marveled at the power of Krampus and the lesson he had taught.
When St. Nicholas arrived the next morning, he found the children eagerly waiting, their eyes filled with hope and repentance. He smiled and filled their stockings with gifts and treats, rewarding their newfound good behavior.
From that day on, Hans, Greta, and Ludwig were among the most well-behaved children in the village. The legend of Krampus served as a reminder that kindness and good behavior were always rewarded, while mischief and disobedience brought consequences.
And so, the village celebrated Christmas with joy and gratitude, knowing that both St. Nicholas and Krampus played their roles in guiding the children toward a brighter, more harmonious future.
The Tale of Krampus and the Wicked Villager
In a remote village high in the mountains, the winter nights were long and cold, and the villagers lived in constant fear of Krampus, the demon who punished the wicked. Unlike other places, this village had a notorious figure named Viktor, who thrived on cruelty and deceit. He was known for his greed, trickery, and malicious pranks, causing misery to those around him.
As Christmas approached, the villagers whispered tales of Krampus, hoping that this year, the wicked Viktor would face his just desserts. On the night of Krampusnacht, the village was shrouded in an eerie stillness. Children huddled under their blankets, too afraid to sleep, and parents kept a wary eye on the shadows.
Viktor, however, scoffed at the legends. He relished in the fear he caused and believed himself untouchable. That night, he roamed the village, planning his next cruel act.
As the midnight hour struck, a bone-chilling wind swept through the village, extinguishing the lanterns and plunging everything into darkness. Viktor felt a presence behind him, and when he turned, his heart nearly stopped. Standing there, towering over him, was Krampus—cloven hooves, twisted horns, and glowing red eyes filled with anger.
Krampus spoke in a voice that resonated with the depths of the earth, "Viktor, your time has come. Your cruelty and wickedness will be punished."
Viktor tried to run, but Krampus was too swift. The demon seized him, wrapping his strong, clawed hands around Viktor's wrist. He dragged Viktor to the village square, where a huge sack lay waiting. The villagers, hearing the commotion, peeked from their windows and saw the dreadful scene unfolding.
Krampus forced Viktor into the sack and slung it over his shoulder. The sack was enchanted, and inside it, Viktor experienced the torments he had inflicted on others, magnified a hundredfold. As Viktor screamed and pleaded for mercy, Krampus paid no heed. His duty was clear.
The villagers watched in awe and fear as Krampus carried Viktor away into the dark forest. The cries of Viktor faded into the night, and silence fell once more.
No one ever saw Viktor again. It was said that Krampus took him to his lair, where he would be imprisoned for all eternity, paying for his sins. The village, now free from Viktor's cruelty, lived in peace, always remembering the lesson that Krampus had imparted.
From that night on, the villagers made sure to live with kindness and respect, for they knew that Krampus was always watching, ready to punish those who strayed from the path of goodness.