Demon Facts

Krampus

Krampus

AKA Crampus, Krampos

Krampus

Titles:

Horned God of the Witches, Winter Demon, The Punisher

Culture:

Proto-Germanic / Christian

Kin:

Saint Nicholas (counterpart)

Appearance:

Krampus has been described as a dark-haired, cloven-hooved, anthropomorphic goat with large horns and a long, lolling tongue. Many variations of this appearance have also been attributed to him.

Purpose/Role:

  • Originally a key constituent of the Saint Nicholas festival of Germanic Europe (beginning December 6th) dating back to pre-Christian times, according to some sources
    • Krampus has come to be known today as the evil counterpart to Saint Nicholas
      • Whereas Nicholas rewards the well-behaved, Krampus punishes the misbehaved
  • Some describe Krampus as the result of an attempt to incorporate a proto-Germanic demon into the host of Christian demons
    • He has therefore been combined with the image of the Christian Devil and Satan
  • Appears regularly on the eve of the Feast of Saint Nicholas, known as Krampusnacht, to deal with the misbehaved