Classification: Legendary & Supernatural Humanoids

Temporal Range: 19th Century to present

Geographic Range: Southwest Germany

Diet: Cakes, sweets and nuts

Horde: Germanic

An ominous figure, draped in furs and hiding his face behind a mask, Belsnickel appears to children in Southwest Germany during the festive season. A long tongue flicks out from under his mask as he searches for those deserving of punishment or gifts. While considered a companion to Santa Claus, Belsnickel works alone. He carries a switch to discipline bad children and snacks to reward the good ones, both Santa and Krampus rolled into one.

This peculiar man always appears as a disheveled mess. His furs cover him from head to toe, and he carries a sack on his back. Unlike Krampus' sack, Belsnickel's is filled with sweets and treats, and his switch is used only to deliver fair reprimands. Belsnickel is seen as a neutral figure. He does not come to torment, nor does he come to spoil. He is simply here to judge children and decide whether to bring out the switch or the snacks.

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