Krampus (Elves)

Krampus, also known as The Christmas Devil, is an antagonist of the 2023 supernatural holiday-themed horror-comedy film Elves.

He is the shadow of Santa Claus who punishes people who have been very naughty on Christmas. Not just children, but adults as well. He has done so for thousands of years, according to Santa in the film. Along with the vast supernatural powers he holds, Krampus is aided by various demonic creatures including that are referred to as his "Helpers"

Appearance
Krampus is a huge, monstrous, hunch-backed creature with cloven hooves and a pair of long, curved, goat-like horns. He has large, grey hands which have long fingers with sharp claws on the tips.

Krampus wears a patchwork hooded robe trimmed with dirty fur grey fur, and hook chains bearing baubles with his name on each of them. He also wears a screaming Santa-like mask with long gray hair and a long gray beard. Through the eye openings in his mask, it can be seen that he has yellow eyes with jagged horizontal pupils and greyish skin around them. Through the screaming mouth of the mask, it can be seen that he has a mouth full of sharp, jagged teeth. Krampus also has a very long tongue that is forked.

Origins
The true origins of the Krampus figure remain shrouded in mystery, leaving both folklorists and anthropologists puzzled. Various theories have been proposed, with some suggesting that it dates back to pre-Christian times. The history of this enigmatic figure has been traced back to ancient Alpine traditions, adding to its rich and intriguing lineage. In a seminal article published in 1958, Maurice Bruce delved into the depths of the Krampus phenomenon, shedding light on its fascinating background.

In 1975, anthropologist John J. Honigmann shared his intriguing observations during his time in Irdning, a quaint town nestled in the region of Styria. Honigmann noted that the presence of Krampus figures continued to endure throughout the years. Fascinatingly, he discovered that by the 17th century, Krampus had become intertwined with Christian winter festivities, as the tradition evolved to pair Krampus alongside the beloved figure of St. Nicholas. Many countries that were once part of the Habsburg Empire have adopted the custom of having Krampus join St. Nicholas on the 5th of December, a tradition that originated in Austria.

Over the past few years, there has been a growing trend on the internet regarding the belief that the Krampus, a mythical creature associated with Christmas, is the offspring of Hel, the Norse goddess who rules the underworld. This idea has gained significant attention and even made its way into reputable publications like National Geographic and Smithsonian Magazine. However, it is important to note that this connection is most likely a creation of Gerald Brom, a talented American artist and author known for his fantastical works. In his 2012 novel titled "Krampus the Yule Lord," Brom portrays Krampus as the central character, potentially sparking the idea of his lineage with Hel. Interestingly, this concept also surfaced shortly after in two online games developed by Funcom, a renowned Norwegian games producer.

Symbolism
The most common depiction of the Krampus is that it resembles something Devil-like (similar to The Devil in Abrahamic religions), goat-like (similar to the mythical demon Baphomet), or satyr-like (possibly similar to Pan, the Greek god of wilderness and rustic music) with more fur in his body. As a colleague of Saint Nick, Krampus is essentially the anti-Santa Claus in that he brings suffering and torture to naughty children whereas Santa brings gifts. Most versions of the Krampus depicts the Krampus almost as a Knight Templar character who would severely beat children into obedience, or, in some versions, outright kills the child. Krampus may even go as far as to kidnap the child and put them into a sack and take them back to his lair to devour them. Or, he simply takes them to the underworld. One of his main discipline tools includes birch sticks that he could use to swat children with.

It is customary to offer a Krampus schnapps referred to as a "Krampuslauf", a strong distilled fruit brandy. These runs may include Perchten, similarly wild pagan spirits of Germanic folklore and sometimes female in representation, although the Perchten are properly associated with the period between the winter solstice and January 6.

Europeans have been exchanging holiday greeting cards called "Krampuskarten" featuring Krampus since the 19th century. Sometimes introduced with "Gruß vom Krampus" ("Greetings from the Krampus"), the cards usually have funny and humorous rhymes and poems. Krampus is often featured looming menacingly over children. He is also shown as having one human foot and one cloven hoof. In some, Krampus has sexual overtones, as he is pictured pursuing buxom women. Over time, the representation of Krampus in the cards has changed; older versions have a more frightening Krampus, while modern versions have a cuter and more Cupid-like creature. Krampus has also adorned postcards and candy containers.

In Germany, there is a day called "Krampushaeht", or "Krampus Night", that would be celebrated on December 5, ironically on the same day as St. Nicholas Day. Nowadays, there are festivals and parades thrown for the Krampus, and many people dress up like him within most Alpine towns in events such as the Krampuslauf (translated in English as "Krampus Run").

According to the Alpine cultures, there were spirits called "Pektin" or "Pectin" (not to be confused with the structural molecule pectin). Some of these spirits are good and some of them are bad, and Krampus is most definitely one of the bad ones.

Personality
Krampus is the wicked version of Santa Claus. His only concern is to punish people who have been very naughty and disobedient on Christmas time and/or have lost all of their Christmas spirit. If the people he torments cannot repent, they will be sent to the Underworld.

Krampus is cunning. stalking, patient, and manipulative, as he tends to punishes non-believers by stalking them in a game of cat and mouse, in which he torments and terrifies them with the aid of his helpers, which consist of evil living toys and elves. He then picks them off one by one, sending them to the underworld.

Powers and Abilities
As a large and ancient demonic spirit, Krampus possesses immense physical and supernatural power. He can cause massive snowstorms with his mere presence, open up portals to the underworld, and create terrifying living toys and foods.

Trivia

 * Krampus' real face is never fully shown in the film, only the mask-like feature on his face. However, both his eyes and mouth can be seen.
 * Krampus is sometimes introduced by "Gruß Vom Krampus", or "Greetings from Krampus", which is written on the bauble-like bells he gives Billy.