Although many are excited about the upcoming holiday season, not a lot of people know there’s a villain associated with one of the most popular holidays. Originating from Germany, Krampus is a half-demon/half-goat monster that punishes children who have been bad. Krampus, with his hooves, dark fur, twisted horns, red eyes, and forked snake-like tongue, is just about the scariest sight ever, real or not. 

Krampus’ story has changed many times over the years, and continues to change with each re-telling. But his tale all started in Germany, a long time ago. Krampus’ name is derived from the German word krampen which means “claw”. He was thought to be a part of the Pagan rituals of the Winter Solstice, and was said to be the son of the Norse god of the underworld. Later though, Krampus became associated with St. Nicholas (aka Kris Kringle, aka Santa Claus), and as the jelly-bellied, white-bearded hero of the Christmas holiday would bring gifts to all the good children, Krampus would accompany him, and punish the bad children. According to German legend (and Wikipedia), Krampus usually traveled with a bag or a basket strapped to his back, to take the bad children away for drowning, eating, torture, or whatever awaited them in the underworld. It’s also said that he carried chains with him to beat and bloody any bad adults that he encountered.

However, to play Devil’s advocate, it’s quite possible that Krampus was just misunderstood. In this day and age, with photos of genocide becoming the norm, and people using slurs like they mean nothing, it’s kind of difficult to believe in the good of mankind. So, it’s probable that Krampus was upset with the state of the world, and took away those that were hurting others the most. According to Vocal Media, it’s said that Krampus doesn’t necessarily have any true weaknesses (like Superman’s kryptonite), but that if offered a piece of fruit, Krampus would stop his rampage, accept the offer, sit, and politely make conversation. After he was finished with the fruit, he would then leave, harming no one. So really, if someone was just nice to Krampus and listened to him, it’s possible that a lot of the pillaging he did wouldn’t have happened at all.

All in all, it’s a good idea to be kind this holiday season (and all the other seasons), because if Krampus gets you, that’s the end of your days here in this mortal realm. If you’re still not entirely sure of the fear-factor that Krampus has working for him, I invite you to watch Season 3, Episode 8 of the show Grimm (can be found on Peacock streaming), titled Twelve Days of Krampus. When I was younger, this is the episode that gave me nightmares. I’d suggest watching it with a friend, while it’s still light outside. Stay safe this holiday season from Krampus and any other fictional holiday villains that might be out to get you.