Old stories from the Alpine mountains tell that, many centuries ago, during one of the coldest nights of winter, a group of children decided to disobey their parents. Despite the warnings and the strong wind that whipped the village, they left their homes to play in the snow, laughing and mocking the rules that had been imposed on them.
The night was advancing and the storm was getting more and more intense. Suddenly, amid the whistling of the wind, the children heard a strange sound: the distant echo of bells. At first it seemed faint, almost confused with the noise of the falling snow, but little by little it became clearer and closer. Next to the bells, the metallic drag of chains began to be heard.
Fear took hold of them when they understood that they were not alone.
Among the trees of the forest, shrouded in mist and darkness, a huge figure emerged. It had twisted horns, a body covered in thick dark fur, and eyes that shone like burning embers. A long red tongue protruded from its mouth, and heavy chains hung from its arms that resounded with every step. It was Krampus.
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Krampus: Who He Is, Origin and the Darkest Legend of Christmas
In the snow-capped mountains of Central Europe, where winters are as harsh as the stories that were born there, there is a figure that completely breaks with the warm and cheerful image of Christmas. His name is Krampus, a creature feared for centuries in the alpine regions.
Upon seeing the creature, some children fled in terror, getting lost in the snow. Others, paralyzed by fear, were unable to move. Krampus advanced slowly toward them, lifting an old sack slung over his shoulder. One by one, the children who had misbehaved were caught and stuffed inside, their screams lost in the storm.
When dawn came, the town woke up covered by a blanket of fresh snow. That morning, St. Nicholas He descended from the mountains to fulfill his annual visit. He handed out candy and gifts to obedient children, but soon noticed that some were not there.
When asked about them, no one could give a clear answer. They only found, marked in the snow that surrounded the forest, deep Hoof prints that were lost among the trees.
Of the children Krampus took away… it was never heard from again.
Since then, it has been said that every winter, when the wind blows strongly and the bells ring in the distance, Krampus travels the mountains reminding everyone that not only kindness visits the villages at Christmas, but also punishment.
