Kallikantzaros

What it is

The Kallikantzaros is a creature of modern Greek folklore. It is described as malevolent and goblin-like. Its name also appears in the traditions of Bulgaria, Serbia, Albania, Cyprus and Turkey, where similar beings are known under different names. The creature is said to live beneath the ground. For most of the year it tries to saw through the trunk of the world tree, hoping to make the earth collapse. When the Christmas season begins, it stops this work and comes up to the surface. There it plays tricks on people and causes trouble in their homes.

Appearance and nature

There is no single agreed picture of the Kallikantzaros. Stories vary from place to place. Some say it is huge, others that it is very small. It may be black and hairy, with red burning eyes, donkey or goat ears, and a long tongue. Its limbs can be beast-like, with monkey arms or the feet of a horse or donkey. Many versions describe it as male and remark on its sexual organs. Other accounts call it squint-eyed, one-eyed or blind. It might be lame, knock-kneed or have feet turned backwards. The most common image is of an ugly goblin with horns and a long black tail, or a little black devil.

Protection and offerings

People have many ways to keep the Kallikantzaros away. Because it enters through the chimney, keeping the fire burning all night is said to stop it. Some burn a Yule log for the whole season, or throw old shoes and salt into the flames. The bad smell is believed to drive the creature off. Others mark the door with a black cross on Christmas Eve, burn incense, or hang a pig's lower jaw near the chimney or behind the door. The creature can also be distracted. Leaving a sieve or a tangled clump of hemp makes it stop to count the holes or threads. It cannot say the number three and must start again, so it never finishes. Honey cakes and desserts are sometimes put out as bribes to lure it away from people.

Regional traditions

In Serbia, the creature is called karakondžula. It is said to ride people at night during the unbaptized days, the period between Christmas and Epiphany. It targets disobedient children, drunkards and adulterers. It may appear at crossroads, doorways or in water, and disappears when the rooster crows. In Bulgaria, names include karakondžul and karakondžol. In Albania it is karkanxholl, and in Cyprus the local form is kalikáttaros. On the Greek islands there are more variations. On Zakynthos, a child born on Christmas Eve is thought to become a skalikántzaros later in life. On Samos, desserts are set out on New Year's Eve. In Cyprus, eggs and sausages were once put out on Epiphany, and later pancakes were scattered on the roof.

How Kallikantzaros is kept

People do not worship the Kallikantzaros. Instead, they tell stories about it and take steps to protect their homes. During the Christmas season, families keep fires burning, hang protective objects, and avoid going out alone after dark. They may leave out food or a sieve to distract the creature. In some places, carol singers called koledari go from house to house to drive the karakondžule away. The customs vary by region, but the aim is always the same: to keep the mischief-making spirit outside until Epiphany, when it must return underground.

When and where

The Kallikantzaros is said to appear only between Christmas and Epiphany, a period known as the Twelve Days of Christmas. It begins on Christmas Day and ends on 6 January. These dates come from the Christian calendar. For the rest of the year, the creature stays below ground.

Belief in the Kallikantzaros is strongest in Greece and across the Balkans. It is also found in Bulgaria, Serbia, Albania, Cyprus and Turkey. Regional names and stories differ, with local traditions on Greek islands such as Zakynthos, Chios and Samos.

What Kallikantzaros means

The Kallikantzaros stands for the disorder and fear that people once felt during the darkest days of winter. Its forced return underground at Epiphany marks the return of light and order. The many protective customs show a deep wish to keep homes and families safe. The world tree it tries to fell represents the fragile balance of the cosmos, which is restored each year.

Days Kallikantzaros is marked

Questions people ask about Kallikantzaros

See also

NazarA blue glass eye amulet worn and displayed to deflect the evil eye.MolybdomancyPouring molten lead or tin into water, then reading the shape as an omenEvil eyeA belief in harm cast by envious glares, met with protective charms and spoken blessingsNowruzThe Iranian new year at the March equinox, kept with fire, greenery and picnics

Good reading and sources

• Kallikantzaros on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.