By Dimitris Topalis,
Introduction
Kallikantzaroi, as they are called in Greek, are a creation of Greek mythology. Based on today’s reception, they are believed to be demons that appear in the twelve-day period between (25th of December until the 6th of January), also known as “dodekaimero”. According to the common tradition, kallikantzaroi appear during that time to toy with people and make a mess of their homes. They appear during that period because the waters have not been graced by the baptism of Jesus Christ. There are a lot of different opinions on where they came from in Greek mythology. One opinion is that they originated from the ancient Greek myth of the Satyr’s and the mythological figure Panas. Another opinion is that their origins come from the legend of the Centaurs.
The forms of kallikantzaroi and their characteristics
Kallikantzaroi’s forms differ from one another, especially in different areas, based on the place that you ask about them. The only thing that is agreeable is their awful looks and appearance. They are usually presented in the height of a dwarf, but some can be tall. They have different color skin and are usually being described with darker colors (deep red, deep green, etc.) that also depends on the area. For example, on the island of Syros, kallikantzaroi are being described as creatures with short hair, red eyes, with teeth and nails like those of a monkey, and their feet are either those of a donkey or one of a donkey and one human, as well as they appear either naked or with poor clothes and a hat. They eat frogs, worms, and mice, are quite quick on their feet, and jump from trees to roofs of houses while making a lot of noise.
The place where kallikantzaroi come from and where they stay
It is believed that kallikantzaroi were humans with bad fates that turned them into demons and were born into the ten-day period. Others who become kallikantzaroi are those who the priest did not read correctly the wishes of the Baptism, the so-called “monster babies”, or those who committed suicide during dodekaimero. Kallikantzaroi come out on Christmas Eve from the underworld. Apart from their appearance during the twelve-day period, the rest of the year they live deep underground and try to chop the tree that holds the Earth — the Tree of Life.
Additional facts about kallikantzaroi
- They are devil’s henchmen that are terrified by Holy Water, holy symbols, and fire.
- They may grab your arm and compel you to dance with them until you pass out if they find you wandering alone late at night.
- They are regarded malevolent and deadly in some regions of Greece, rather than mischievous.
- They have a “boss,” whom they refer to as their “mother,” who gives them commands about who to attack.
- People used to place food on their rooftops and doorsteps to please the kallikantzaroi as a form of protection, similar to how Western Europeans “trick or treat” on Halloween.
- They go by a variety of names and nicknames, including “karkantzelia,” “verveloudes,” and “kalkatzania.”
Epilogue
Kallikantzaroi are a part of Greek mythology that is overlooked and there is not a lot of information about them, because Greek mythology is vast and has a variety of interesting stories. There is no denying that their concept is interesting and whoever decides to read about them, will not be disappointed. The most important thing about them is that although they are not as popular as other mythological stories, they continue to survive.
References
- Νίκος Λ. Πασχουλίδης, «Τα Τερπνιώτικα και τα Νιγριτινά», Σέρρες, 2013 (ηλεκτρονικό βιβλίο), Available here
