Also called Kalikantzaros (singular), Karakoncolos.
The tale
In modern Greek folk belief, the kallikantzaroi live under the earth, spending all year sawing at the tree that holds up the world. Just as they are about to cut through, the Twelve Days of Christmas begin and they come up to the surface to cause mischief, sneaking down chimneys, spoiling food and frightening people. Meanwhile the world tree heals itself. At Epiphany the waters are blessed and they flee back underground, to find the tree whole again and start their sawing once more.
When they are met
- the Twelve Days of Christmas
- Epiphany
- long midwinter nights
Staying on their good side
- none; tradition keeps them out rather than feeding them
- a fire kept burning in the hearth
- a colander left on the doorstep to distract them
Honouring them, or keeping safe
- Keep a candle or hearth fire burning safely through the evenings of the Twelve Days.
- Leave a colander or sieve by the door as a playful charm; they are said to stop and count its holes all night.
- Tell the story to children at Christmas.
- Mark Epiphany with a cleaning or blessing of your home.
What their tales teach
- warding off midwinter mischief
- keeping the home fire bright
- renewal at the new year
- laughter at dark times
Symbols
- the world tree they spend the year sawing
- a colander on the doorstep
- a hearth fire kept burning
- blessed water at Epiphany
From Greek village folklore of recent centuries rather than ancient sources.
More Greek folklore
- The Nymphs The spirits of spring, tree and mountain
- Medusa The Gorgon whose gaze turns flesh to stone
- Circe The enchantress of the island of Aeaea
- The Sirens The singers of the deadly shore
- Satyrs The wild revellers of Dionysus
- The Neraides Fairy women of springs and hills
- Vrykolakas The restless dead of Greek villages
- The Lamia of folk tales The glutton ogress of Greek tales