Not every Christmas tale ends with laughter and gifts. Deep in the Alpine shadows, where ancient legends never quite die, Krampus waits—the horned, monstrous shadow of Saint Nicholas, and the original nightmare before Christmas. For centuries, he’s haunted winter nights, punishing misbehaving children in ways far darker than a lump of coal. But what is Krampus really? Where did he come from, and why does he still terrify kids (and adults) across Europe today? In this episode, we unravel the chilling origins, pagan roots, and enduring appeal of this folklore enforcer. Brace yourself: this is not your usual Christmas story.
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