kallikantzaros

Etymology

There is some debate about the etymology of this term. Berhand Schmidt conjectures that it is derived from two Turkish words meaning "black" and "werewolf". Paulikianos suggest that it is a euphemistic term combining kalos “handsome”, cf. an Arm. word for demons, mezmé aléknerë “the ones better (or prettier) than us”.

name

In Greek and Cypriot culture, a traditional Yuletide gift-bearing character, resembling a goblin.

noun

A mythical, malevolent goblin-like spirit of Southeastern European and Anatolian folklore.“"This view is taken by Allatius, who says that a Kallikantzaros has all the characteristics of nightmare, rampaging on men's shoulders, then leaving them half senseless on the ground.”