The Krampus Kalendar: M is for MYTHS and Legends

There are many myths and legends associated with the Christmas season, some significantly better known than others.

For example, 1st December is the feast day of Saint Eligius – the patron saint of goldsmiths and other metalworkers, including blacksmiths – who died on that date in AD 660. There are a number of legends which are often linked to Saint Dunstan (another smithying saint), but which have also been applied to Saint Eligius.

In one, the Saint, formerly a blacksmith himself, was working at his forge when the Devil paid him a visit. The Devil had disguised himself as a beautiful woman, with a view to leading his victim astray. However, the Saint spotted Satan’s cloven hooves poking out from beneath the woman’s dress, and grabbed the Devil's nose with his red hot pincers, thus foiling the Evil One’s diabolical scheme.

According to another legend, Satan returned again as a weary traveller in need of a horseshoe. The Saint saw through the disguise a second time and beat the Devil until he pleaded for mercy, and swore never to enter any house with a horseshoe above the door.

'TWAS - The Krampus Night Before Christmas was, in part, inspired by many of the myths and legends associated with Christmas, not least those concerning Saint Nicholas and Krampus the Christmas Devil, and so is 'TWAS - The Roleplaying Game Before Christmas, which is currently 78% funded on Kickstarter.

   

To find out more about the festive season and its many traditions, order your copy of the Chrismologist's Christmas Explained: Robins, Kings and Brussel Sprouts today!

The book is also available in the United States as Christmas Miscellany: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Christmas.