Spooky History: Krampus the Mythical Creature

Krampus costume

Everything you need to know about Krampus thy mythical creature

Who is Krampus?

Krampus the mythical creature is from European folklore, associated with the Christmas season. Unlike Santa Claus, who rewards good children with gifts, Krampus is said to punish naughty children by beating them with sticks or chains. While his origin and appearance vary depending on the region and tradition, he is generally portrayed as a demonic creature with fur, horns, hooves, and a long, pointed tongue.

The legend of Krampus dates back to pre-Christian times, when he was known as a demon or monster who would roam the streets during the winter solstice, punishing those who had misbehaved. In some traditions, Krampus was believed to be the son of the Norse goddess Hel and was said to have the body of a goat and the head of a demon.

Chocolate Santa and Krampus the mythical creature
Chocolate Krampus

Is Krampus popular today?

In modern times, the legend of Krampus has experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly in Austria and other parts of Europe. In some towns, Krampus parades are held on the night of December 5th, known as Krampusnacht, where participants dress up as Krampus and roam the streets, scaring children and adults alike. Others celebrate by partaking in a race where participants dressed as Krampus run through the streets with wooden sticks. Krampus is said to visit homes the evening of December 5th, the Feast of St. Nicholas, and leave coal or sticks for naughty children.

Is Krampus the mythical creature known in North America?

Krampus has recently gained popularity in North American movies. One of the first North American movies to feature the creature was the 2015 horror comedy “Krampus,” which tells the story of a family that comes under attack by the mythical creature during the Christmas season. The movie, which stars Adam Scott and Toni Collette, was a box office success and spawned a sequel, “Krampus: Unleashed,” in 2016.

Another popular movie is “A Christmas Horror Story,” a 2015 anthology film that features multiple stories centered around the holiday season. One of the segments, titled “Krampus: The Christmas Devil,” tells the story of a group of friends who come face to face with the mythical creature on Christmas Eve.

Krampus has made his was into pop culture and can be found as toys, actions figures and holiday ornaments. This creature can also be found on ugly Christmas sweaters and t-shirts.

Did You Know There are Krampus-Themed Haunted Houses?

Krampus, the dark companion of St. Nicholas, has found a sinister home within haunted houses, unleashing a chilling atmosphere that blends folklore with fright. As visitors navigate through the haunted corridors, they may encounter the horned and hoofed creature lurking in the shadows, ready to punish those who have strayed from the path of holiday goodness. The haunting tale of Krampus adds a unique twist to the traditional horror experience, as his presence evokes both fear and fascination. With chains rattling and bells jingling, Krampus brings a touch of malevolence to the festive season, turning the joyous atmosphere into an eerie and unforgettable encounter for those daring enough to face the holiday haunt.

Krampus Haunted Christmas
Krampus Haunted Christmas

Beware the Dark Christmas Mythical Creature

While Krampus the mythical creature may be a frightening figure, his legend serves as a reminder to children and adults alike to behave and treat others with kindness and respect. The Krampusnacht tradition encourages people to face their fears and embrace the darkness in a safe and controlled environment. The Christmas season is not just about celebrating and gift-giving, but also about reflecting on our actions and being good to one another. So, this holiday season, remember to be good, or else you might just get a visit from Krampus the mythical creature!

If you love learning about Krampus you might want to read our blog on the Christmas witch.

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