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Kallikantzaroi
Goblins who live underground, sawing at the World Tree. At Christmas, they emerge for 12 days to cause havoc. Leave your fire burning and mark your doors—the Kallikantzaroi are coming.
Ancient - Present
Greece and Balkans
1000+ witnesses
The Kallikantzaroi are malevolent goblins from Greek and Balkans folklore who emerge during the Twelve Days of Christmas.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
The Kallikantzaroi:
- Live underground all year
- Saw at the World Tree
- Emerge at Christmas
- For 12 days of mischief
- Return underground at Epiphany
Description
They appear as:
- Small, black creatures
- Sometimes with animal features
- Hairy and ugly
- Long nails or hooves
- Red eyes
Their Work
Underground:
- They saw at the World Tree (or Earth’s foundation)
- Almost cut through each year
- Must return at Christmas
- The tree heals while they’re gone
- They start again
The Twelve Days
During Christmas to Epiphany:
- They emerge above ground
- Enter homes through chimneys
- Cause mischief
- Spoil food
- Frighten families
Protection
To ward them off:
- Keep fires burning (they can’t come down chimney)
- Mark door with black cross
- Hang pigs’ jawbones
- Burn smelly shoes
- Keep a colander by door (they must count holes)
Children Born at Christmas
Babies born during the 12 days:
- May become Kallikantzaroi
- Must be bound or singed
- To prevent transformation
- A serious concern traditionally