Krampus

A horned figure of Alpine tradition who accompanies Saint Nicholas on the night of 5 December and punishes badly behaved children.

1500 CE · 47.80, 13.05 · status: legend

The account

Krampus parades (Krampuslauf) feature costumed devils in many Alpine towns.

The sceptical view

Some folklorists propose pre-Christian origins, but historians think this unlikely since the figure is not attested before the 16th century.

Connections in the atlas

• The Perchten and the Perchta nights
• Krampus
• Baba Yaga
• The Wild Hunt

Sources

1. Wikipedia: Krampus