Yes, in some traditional folklore, Krampus is indeed said to eat children.
Krampus is a legendary horned figure in Alpine folklore who accompanies Saint Nicholas during the Christmas season. While Saint Nicholas is known for rewarding well-behaved children with gifts, Krampus is traditionally responsible for punishing those who have been naughty.
Krampus's Methods of Punishment
The folklore surrounding Krampus describes various methods he uses to discipline mischievous children, which can include:
- Beating: He is often depicted using branches and sticks to beat children who have misbehaved.
- Eating: In some cases, Krampus is specifically said to consume children who are particularly naughty.
- Taking to Hell: Another common belief is that Krampus drags bad children away to the underworld or to his lair in hell.
These retributions typically occur on the eve of December 6th, known as St. Nicholas Day. On this day, children wake up to either find the gifts left by St. Nicholas for their good behavior or, conversely, to nurse the injuries inflicted by Krampus for their naughtiness. The contrast between St. Nicholas's rewards and Krampus's severe punishments serves as a cautionary tale within these traditions.
