In Austro-Bavarian
Alpine folklore,
Krampus is a horned,
anthropomorphic figure who, during the Christmas season, punishes children who have misbehaved, in contrast with
Saint Nicholas, who rewards the well-behaved with gifts. Regions in Austria feature similar figures and, more widely, Krampus is one of a number of
Companions of Saint Nicholas in regions of Europe. The origin of the figure is unclear; some folklorists and anthropologists have postulated a pre-Christian origin for the figure (see
Germanic paganism).