Krampus – The Universal Dark Entity of Christmas
Return to the dark legends of Christmas as we look back at the Krampus lore and remember the sinister nature of the holiday season.
Krampus was nearly a mere echo from the Old World. By and large the sinister nature of Christmas was nearly forgotten here on the West side of the planet. Somehow the older and darker traditions of Europe were almost lost to us under the commercialism of a jolly Santa Claus and his helpful elves.
However, the old legends of the cold dark woods do not easily die, and woe to unbelievers! For lo, the old devils of ancient customs do not require belief in order to exist. The hoofed beasts who reign in the nightmares of unawakening dead are still out there. The name Krampus is whispered by those who know better.
image via fandango
The legend of Krampus may not be an American tradition, but thanks to the devious imaginations of some very skilled film makers the wintery devil of the Old World has found an audience on this side of the ocean. Before Universal released their holiday horror tale, Rare Exports (2010) renewed interest in the Krampus lore.
This Finnish production sets its hero deep in the mountains where he and his father along with his father’s crew must encounter the hellish truth behind Christmas. If you’re a fan of international horror movies you won’t want to miss this one. The film is dark, beautiful and and very foreboding.
image via Bloody Disgusting
Then in 2015 Krampus was brought to mainstream audiences thanks to Universal Studios. That’s right, the original House of Horrors is no stranger to worldly legends and was primarily built upon the dark customs and scary stories. Stories of Transylvanian vampires or of a Genevan doctor who rifled through graves in order to master the obscene secrets of reanimated death; or even the dreaded fear of the shape-shifting beast under a full moon, Universal knows how to bring Old World monsters to the masses. Krampus was no exception.
image via villains wiki
The movie is directed by Michael Dougherty who already spun a demonically new and beloved Halloween classic with Trick ‘r Treat. It was no surprise that in his capable hands the Krampus legend came to life and became a new holiday must for our household.
The film is simple, as most good horror movies are. Without over-complicating things, the story revolves around family that just can’t get along. Not until the horrors of winter befall them brought about by the howling call of Krampus. One by one they are picked off and drug to the burning underworld of this Christmas devil’s dark domain.
If you’re a fan of Gremlins then this will be a treat for you. Or if you’re a lover of Universal Monsters, this will chill you with delight. Yes, Krampus is part of the Universal hellish pantheon. At least in my humble opinion.
I know Halloween is typically a horror fan’s sovereign holiday, but there is still plenty of reasons to celebrate horror under the mistletoe with that special someone. It’s Christmas! So have a great holiday, friends! Enjoy your time with those loved ones. Let all of our differences that we fight about all year long be forgotten for just one day. Have yourself some eggnog and sit down with those you hold dear, and if you get a chance enjoy some Krampus for yourself.
His legend lives on. And if you hear clomping hooves on the rooftop, well, don’t be so sure it’s reindeer. Santa’s evil shadow just might be paying you an unexpected visit.
Next: The good and the bad of the 2017 horror genre
So bundle up and have a Happy New Year, my dearies. Manic loves you. Thanks for always faithfully reading.