page_title: Kallikantzaros
section_title: In Greek folklore
hierarchical_section_title: Kallikantzaros / In Greek folklore
caption_attribution_description: English: Kallikatzaroi trying to cut down the World Tree.Ελληνικά: Οι Καλικάτζαροι και το Δέντρο του κόσμου
context_page_description: The kallikantzaros is a malevolent goblin in Southeastern European and Anatolian folklore. Stories about the kallikantzaros or its equivalents can be found in Greece, Bulgaria, 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.
context_section_description: It is believed that kallikantzaroi stay underground, sawing the world tree so that it will collapse, along with the Earth. However, according to folklore, when they are about to saw the final part, Christmas dawns and they are able to come to the surface. They forget the tree and come to bring trouble to mortals.
  Finally, on the Epiphany (6 January), the sun starts moving again, and they must return underground to continue their sawing. They see that during their absence the world tree has healed itself, so they must start working all over again. This is believed to occur annually.
caption: Illustration depicting kallikantzaroi as little black goblins with long tails sawing the world tree.
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