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The Anti-Claus lore: Is there really an evil Santa?

By Alexandria Ingham

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA - DECEMBER 15: Completed Krampus masks lie on the floor in the workshop belonging to sculptor and woodworker Rupert Kreuzer on December 15, 2017 in Grossarl, near Salzburg, Austria. Krampus is a demonic, horned creature who in folklore punishes naughty children in the German-speaking Alpine region of Germany and Austria during the Christmas season. The 'Krampus Runs', which sees locals, usually young men, dressed as the beast terrorize residents in city centers during the Christmas season has recently seen a resurgence of the 500-year-old tradition. The revival has meant that some woodworkers in the region are carving creations beyond the mere decorative, as many of the performers insist on traditional materials such as wood, while shunning plastic, for their frightful costumes. (Photo by Adam Berry/Getty Images)
SALZBURG, AUSTRIA - DECEMBER 15: Completed Krampus masks lie on the floor in the workshop belonging to sculptor and woodworker Rupert Kreuzer on December 15, 2017 in Grossarl, near Salzburg, Austria. Krampus is a demonic, horned creature who in folklore punishes naughty children in the German-speaking Alpine region of Germany and Austria during the Christmas season. The 'Krampus Runs', which sees locals, usually young men, dressed as the beast terrorize residents in city centers during the Christmas season has recently seen a resurgence of the 500-year-old tradition. The revival has meant that some woodworkers in the region are carving creations beyond the mere decorative, as many of the performers insist on traditional materials such as wood, while shunning plastic, for their frightful costumes. (Photo by Adam Berry/Getty Images) /
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Sam Winchester mentions lore around the world of an Anti-Claus before realizing they were dealing with Hold Nickar. Is there really an evil Santa out there?

Evil Santas are used in various horror movies, but there are chances that you don’t know the real legend. Well, it’s something that Supernatural clearly looked into when creating “A Very Supernatural Christmas.” Sam Winchester mentions Anti-Claus lore around the world, evil Santas that bring horror at a magical time of the year.

There isn’t any lore in the series to compare, but this is a chance to look at the idea behind Krampus. Here’s a look at the real lore.

Scaring children into being good

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Krampus is one of the most commonly used evil Santa legends around the world. The evil twin of St. Nicholas, the idea is that he scares children into being good. Part goat and with horns and a slithering tongue, he rattles chains to warn the children that he is on his way. Those who don’t heed his warnings will be dragged to the underworld for a year.

It’s interesting that Krampus was mentioned in Supernatural Season 3, the year that Dean was facing Hell after a year.

Krampus was originally Norse, the son of Hel, goddess of the underworld. However, it quickly became Germanic Christmas lore. Over the last few years, the evil twin of Santa has become more popular around the world.

SANKT JOHANN IM PONGAU, AUSTRIA – DECEMBER 06: Men wearing horned, wooden masks and dressed as the Krampus creature participate in the annual Krampus parade on Saint Nicholas Day on December 6, 2017 in Sankt Johann im Pongau, Austria. Several hundred Krampus creatures from the region took part in this year’s Sankt Johann parade. Krampus traditionally accompanies Saint Nicholas and angels in a house to house procession to reward children who have been good and warn those who have not, though in recent decades Krampus parades have become an intrinsic part of local folklore and take place throughout the end of November and into the first half of December in the alpine regions of Germany, Austria and Italy. Krampus usually wears large cowbells on his back that he rings by shaking his hips to ward off the evil spirits of winter. He also carries a switch made of branches or animal hair that he uses to whip bystanders. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
SANKT JOHANN IM PONGAU, AUSTRIA – DECEMBER 06: Men wearing horned, wooden masks and dressed as the Krampus creature participate in the annual Krampus parade on Saint Nicholas Day on December 6, 2017 in Sankt Johann im Pongau, Austria. Several hundred Krampus creatures from the region took part in this year’s Sankt Johann parade. Krampus traditionally accompanies Saint Nicholas and angels in a house to house procession to reward children who have been good and warn those who have not, though in recent decades Krampus parades have become an intrinsic part of local folklore and take place throughout the end of November and into the first half of December in the alpine regions of Germany, Austria and Italy. Krampus usually wears large cowbells on his back that he rings by shaking his hips to ward off the evil spirits of winter. He also carries a switch made of branches or animal hair that he uses to whip bystanders. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) /

The evil twin of Santa

Oh, and yes, in some lore, the Anti-Claus is the evil twin brother of Santa. However, the two were separated and the Anti-Clause was raised by evil parents. Some lore even says that the Anti-Claus will travel on a black sleigh pulled by eight hellhounds and one special werewolf (sound a little like the reindeer and Rudolf?) and delivers gifts to the bad children and adults.

This evil Santa lives in the Tropics. After all, he hates everything Christmas, including the snow! Most of his helpers are evil gnomes, although he has a few fallen elves and a coven of witches. Sounds creepy. Maybe this is lore that Supernatural could run with at some point.

Next: Winter Solstice god lore: Hold Nickar

Would you like to see the Anti-Claus lore be used in the series? Did you know the different Krampus and Evil Santa lore? Share in the comments below.

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