Kallikantzaros

Kallikantzaros
Greek primer illustration of a kallikantzaros with goat legs and donkey ears
GroupingFolklore
Sub groupingGoblin
Other name(s)karakoncolos, karakondžula, karakondzhol
CountryGreece, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Cyprus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania
RegionSoutheastern Europe
DetailsShape-shifting

The kallikantzaros (Greek: καλικάντζαρος, romanizedkalikántzaros; Bulgarian: караконджул, romanizedkarakondžul; Serbian: караконџула / karakondžula; Turkish: karakoncolos; or kallikantzaroi in plural) is a malevolent creature in Southeast European and Anatolian folklore. Stories about the kallikantzaros or its equivalents can typically be found in Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia, and Cyprus. Kallikantzaroi are believed to dwell underground but come to the surface during the twelve days of Christmas, from 25 December to 6 January (from the winter solstice for a fortnight, during which time the sun ceases its seasonal movement)[citation needed]. Bloody Christmas (1963)