Mythic Legions Black Krampus Figure.
Unopened, MISB, Collector Handled from Retailer, Photos taken and returned to shipping box.
In Hand, this is NOT drop shipped from BBTS.
Packaging has some wear from retailer and/or shipping.
PLEASE SEE PHOTOS FOR CONDITION.
Krampus is told of in hushed whispers, for to say his name aloud invites his attention. The people of the frozen mountains know that this devil haunts them during the winter festival, while the good folk celebrate to drive away the chill and darkness of the season.
Krampus seeks out the wicked, especially children, for his punishment. Any he judges unworthy are whipped with birch reeds, locked in shackles, and stuffed in his basket. He takes these children away, perhaps to the underworld itself, never to be seen again.
If you see the shadow of a horned figure, or hear the discordant jingling of iron bells, take care: Krampus seeks fresh prey.
While the demonic-looking Krampus has seen something of a boom as of late, oftentimes as counterprogramming to cheery holiday fare, the reality is that this cloven-hooved character has been around for hundreds of years in the folklore and traditions of the Alpine region of Bavaria in Germany and Austria. In fact, in those stories, Krampus is actually not an “evil” character per say, but actually a partner to Saint Nicholas, dolling out punishment to misbehaving children while “Saint Nick” rewards the good ones. You can see in this image from the early 1900s, both Krampus and Nicholas visiting a child and seemingly working together.
While there have been many variations on the appearance of Krampus over the years, a few constants can be found. He is often depicted as a devilish-looking character with dark fur, a long tail, cloven hooves, and large horns. A long, red tongue is often found sticking out of his mouth, and he typically carries a bundle of birch branches and a sack or basket on his back. The stories explain that Krampus uses the branches to whip misbehaving children, while the sack/basket is used to carry children to some foul punishment. Chains are another commonly seen element in depictions of Krampus, as are bells. These later elements are especially prominent in modern depictions of the character and the “Krampus runs” that still take place in many small Alpine towns.
The evening of December 5th has become known as “Krampusnacht” of “Krampus Night.” Held the day before the Feast of St. Nicholas, Bavarian traditions see individuals in hairy Krampus costumes take to the streets in parades and other celebrations. These elaborate costumes and masks are handmade by those who wear them, and in many cases are handed down over the years as part of a heirloom-like family treasure. Participants take to the streets rattling chains, loudly clanging bells, and making a general sense of mischief. Krampus Runs, or “Parades” as they are also called, can now be found in a number of large cities in Bavaria, including Munich, Germany and Salzberg, Austria.
In other parts of Europe there are other Krampus-like characters who are a part of various regional traditions. Of course, the character has also been prominently featured in many modern forms of media, including a 2015 holiday horror movie that has become seasonal viewing for many looking for a darker sampling of the Christmas season.