Krampus & the Wassail Witch: A Christmas Love Story
Move over Hallmark, Pittsburgh-based writer, creator, and owner of Bedlam Arts & Goods Eamon McNamee dropped a short story that is bound to warm your heart and maybe even bring a tear to your eye. Having only just discovered the hardcover earlier this year at Pittsburgh’s annual zine fair, I can happily say that saving the illustrated novella for the holiday season was a great decision.
Whether readers are familiar with the folklore of Krampus or not, Krampus and the Wassail Witch offers a sweeter side to the otherwise scary and horrific creature and provides some background and insight into the origin, celebrations, and so much more.
The uniqueness of the story really shines through the creation of its other main characters. Most notably, as mentioned in the title, is the Wassail Witch. The word “wassail” derives likely from the Old Norse “ves heill” and references a beverage made from hot mulled cider and spices. The drink was a common practice when wassailing, an ancient English Yuletide drinking ritual and salutation that usually involved either door-to-door charity giving or ensuring a good cider apple harvest the following year, according to McNamee.
While references to the drink date as far back as the 12th century, the first time an actual recipe was published for it was in 1835 by Richard Cook, dubbed the “Oxford Night Cap.” As someone who personally loves apple cider, and its hot or cold variations, I was pleasantly surprised to learn so much about the festive drink—a special treat after the short fiction.
The Wassail Witch in this story plays a significant role in her Old Country village, especially when it comes to ensuring the year’s apple harvest. Made with love to impress and appease the Apple Tree Man, it follows a time when the Wassail Witch’s brewed cider went sour.
A timeless love story, readers of all ages turning the pages of Krampus and the Wassail Witch will easily grow an admiration for the many tiny detailed illustrations and the characters’ charm. From the story’s unique storyline to its heartfelt moments and connections to some of the holiday’s oldest traditions, this is one short story you’ll want to share by the firelight on Christmas Eve.
What Sleeps Beneath was not requested to write a review for Krampus and the Wassail Witch. Eamon McNamee recently hosted several readings at the Krampus Market in Pittsburgh earlier this month. His hardcover novella, illustrations, and more can be purchased here.
Article written by destiny johnson
Destiny writes about true crime and thrillers. She mostly enjoys movies and stories that cause one to question the world around them.
Throughout the decades, slasher film villains have had their fair share of bizarre motivations for committing violence. In Jamie Langlands’s The R.I.P Man, killer Alden Pick gathers the teeth of his victims to put in his own toothless mouth in deference to an obscure medieval Italian clan of misfits.