Krampus – naughty or nice?
I wrote this back in 2015 – re-read it for the holiday season. It’s a good yarn – have a read yourself … hopefully you will agree that it’s naughty enough … krampus
About KRAMPUS
The word Krampus originates from the Old High German word for claw (Krampen). In German-speaking Alpine folklore, Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure. According to traditional narratives, Krampus punishes children during the Christmas season that had misbehaved, in contrast with Saint Nicholas, who rewards well-behaved children with gifts. There seems to be little doubt as to his true identity for, in no other form is the full regalia of the Horned God of the Witches so well preserved. The birch—apart from its phallic significance—may have a connection with the initiation rites of certain witch-covens; rites which entailed binding and scourging as a form of mock-death. The chains could have been introduced in a Christian attempt to ‘bind the Devil’ but again they could be a remnant of pagan initiation rites.
KRAMPUS – synopsis
This is a classic tale of good versus evil.
All children know that if they have been good throughout the year, that their reward will be brought to them by Saint Nicholas – a jolly fellow, who exudes peace, happiness, joy and good tidings. Back then, unlike today, these same children were told that if they have had not been good that there was a price to pay for bad behavior to be extracted by a demon called ‘Krampus’ (the alter ego of Saint Nicholas). You see, Krampus lurked, watched and waited. His amusement would be to be able to beat and abuse the mild wrongdoers; and molest, torture and even eat the more serious offenders. Sometimes, he would deliberately, tempt and taunt the mischievous ones to help extract his prize and wicked revelry.
Our story begins with two children. One good. One bad. Greta is eleven and her younger sister Franziska is ten. They live in a small village called Oberndorf situated on the border to Bavaria. On the night of December 5, Greta is fully expecting a visit from the demon Krampus, as she believes that she is destined for hell.