Who Is Krampus? | National Geographic

Tagging along with Saint Nicholas, legend tells us this "Christmas Devil" comes to punish children who have misbehaved. Learn about his Germanic origins and how this sinister figure is celebrated.

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Who Is Krampus? | National Geographic

National Geographic

[NatGeo]

What's the most fascinating part of this German forklore to you?

[Chris]

Now I know the real reason children wanted to stay off the Naughty List.

[PUPIMUMIP]

Lmao that girl got traumatized for life

[mrrc]

Girl at the end: "I'll be good I " 😭😭😭

[NewMessage]

I thought Krampus was what Santa got when he tried to shimmy up a chimney too soon after the milk and cookies.

[zal]

Germany, even Christmas is terrifying here

[gandalfthefilthy]

My mother was from Austria. And used to tell stories of Krampus every year around Christmas.

[anneshields]

The Krampus parade is amazing and looks nightmare fuel so scary but the actors who play Krampus are so fun and even interact with the crowds hugging them chasing them pulling hats over faces all harmless fun and you could even get selfies with them also their costumes and masks are amazing and so so soft looking

[illustriousmonster]

0:06 when someone disagrees with your opinion.

[TyEdward]

My grandparents were German. I felt like I was the only American kid that new the story of krampus.

[masonklabunde]

My parents always tell me krampus'll get me as a joke (we're americans but i'm german and some of our relatives live in germany)

[coaiemandushman]

Why is Krampus evil? He doesn't punish good kids...He punishes the bad ones, making him even better than St Nicholas.

[kaytarracorrea]

I've just told my 4 year old about krampus and omg does this kid listen better 😂😂

[jasonregan]

Do you know if my parents introduced me to Krampus like this? I would totally love it.😂

[hobouk]

1:24 felt like giving that girl a big hug.. poor girl :(

[gerhardgugelhupf]

Folks, forget about the Hollywood story, Krampus (from the old german word 'krampe(n)' what means claw) is a mystic creature (and not a devil) initially thought to fight bad spirits of winter (e.g. was an ally of humans) during hard & cold winter session in the alps, just later on in the 17th century he got in my country Austria another job escorting St. Niclas through the towns with switches in his hand and some kind of big backpack intended to put bad kids inside. Today it's often more like a carnival, where often one rather has to protect the Krampus from the Kids.

[robinlaurence]

The shot at the end was messed up. That little girl is going to be traumatized. Scaring kids is one thing, ensuring they need therapy for PTSD is another

[zeromancer-x]

I have a Krampus ornament that I put front and center on my tree. :P

[rozanidesignsmasquerade]

Great video❣️ The Krampus is a creepily interesting character. He certainly leaves a lasting impression. I can see where this would discourage any child from being naughty.

[king.kthebest]

Those children won't be misbehaving any time soon.