Krampus (mythology)

The Krampus was a companion of St Nicholas in Austrian and German folklore. The Krampus maintained the list of naughty children and punished them, putting the most wicked ones into his basket.

Appearance
According to Austrian tradition, the Krampus of the Christmas myth was described as a humanoid figure with goat hooves and horns, covered in fur who had a demon-like face (AUDIO: Better Watch Out), red eyes and long forked red tongue. He would have black chains hanging from its wrists, and on his back he would carry a basket. (PROSE: Do You Believe in the Krampus?)

During the Krampus run on 5 December, young men in Salzburg would dress in furs, wear wooden masks with goat's horns and carried chains and cowbells to create sudden loud sounds and scare passers-by. (PROSE: Do You Believe in the Krampus?)

The Krampus created by a vagabond to fulfil Maria Werner's wish looked like the mythical Krampus but was as tall as the mountains. (AUDIO: Better Watch Out)

Customs
to be added

Personifications and imposters
to be added



Behind the scenes
The Krampus was depicted on the cover of the audio story Fairytale of Salzburg.