Krampus: The Christmas Demon
It’s been in vogue the past couple of years to address Santa’s counterpart, Krampus. Cartoon appearances, a few movies (one of which was a major motion picture), t-shirts and sweaters, various other media are all filling up with this Christmas Demon. But, where did he come from? Why did he disappear? And why is he back? So, sit back, get cozy on a chair in your new Christmas pajamas, and let’s explore the legend of this anamorphic demon. The origin time period of Krampus is unknown. Like St. Nicholas, he pre-dates Christianity and has been found in Alpine regions, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic, he has stretched all through Europe and around the world. It seems, however, that his origins are in Norse folklore. The daughter of Loki (yup, Thor’s brother) is named Hel and oversees the land of the dead. Legend is it that she bore a son to an unknown father who she named Krampus
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