France is the last stop on Spookernatrual’s tour of European festive folklore. This week, Nate and Leigh discuss Père Fouettard, the murderous butcher forced to repent for his crimes, and Hans Trapp, a man who’s banishment led him straight to cannibalism. Both men work for St Nick as his Christmas cronies, handing out the punishment to kids who haven’t behaved.

Would the prospect of a beating from Père or an eating from Hans keep you on the straight and narrow when you were a child? Let us know what you think by getting in touch with the show and leaving us a review wherever you listen to us!

Sources:

Ten Terrifying Christmas Customs and Legends From Around the World Will Give You Chills (historycollection.com)

The Terrible Tale Of Hans Trapp, The Christmas Scarecrow - Ripley's Believe It or Not!

French Christmas Lore: Père Noël and His Assistant, Père Fouettard - Holidappy - Celebrations

Le Père Fouettard: The French Christmas cannibal who serves Santa Claus | All About History (historyanswers.co.uk)