Throughout history, Krampus has been seen as the dark and sinister counterpart to old Saint Nicholas. This horned, hoofed, half-human, half-goat creature is known for taking charge of the naughty list, and punishing those that don’t behave. But is Krampus one of a kind? For years, legends of a similar Goatman have popped up all over the world, from South America to New Zealand, leading many to wonder – does this Christmas legend have roots in the supernatural… and might he exist after all?

Austrian Post Card from 1910 with Krampus depiction.

Austrian Post Card from 1910 with Krampus depiction. Courtesy of Britannica.com

Austrian Postcard from the 20th century.

Austrian Postcard from the 20th century. Courtesy of Sacred Matters Magazine
Krampus Card from early 20th century.

Krampus Card from early 20th century. Courtesy of History.com
Depiction of Krampus Run.

Depiction of Krampus Run. Courtesy of History.com
Austria’s Krampus Parade. Photo by Sean Gallup/ Staff/ Getty Images.

Austria’s Krampus Parade. Photo by Sean Gallup/ Staff/ Getty Images. Courtesy of Trip Savvy.
Depiction of New Zealand’s Goatman.

Depiction of New Zealand’s Goatman. Courtesy of Feels Like Home Bro Facebook Page
Depiction of the Goatman like the one spotted in Marylan.

Depiction of the Goatman like the one spotted in Marylan. Courtesy of Cryptid Wiki and AllThatsInteresting.com.

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