There is a dark figure from Alsatian yule folklore in northeastern France. According to legend, a wealthy and greedy man became infamous for his cruelty, blasphemy, and obsession with power. He was said to have made a pact with the devil to increase his wealth and influence. Still, his wickedness eventually led to his excommunication by the Church and banishment from society.

Living in exile in the forest, this lord descended into madness and evil. He began dressing as a scarecrow, stuffing his clothes with straw, and luring children into the woods, intending to harm them. However, before he could carry out his plans, he was struck down by a divine bolt of lightning.

Despite his death, the legend persists that his malevolent spirit roams the countryside during Christmastime, frightening children into behaving. Like other dark Yuletide figures, he is a cautionary figure. In some tales, he accompanies Saint Nicholas to punish naughty children while Saint Nicholas rewards the good. His eerie scarecrow appearance and sinister backstory make him one of the darker figures in European Christmas lore.

Join Gary and GoldieAnn as they wander Within the Mists of France to find Hans Trapp, the Christmas Scarecrow.

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