In another tale as old as time, the German Knecht Ruprecht is a Santa Claus precursor. One who has undergone transformation from a possibly-a-sprite god of the Black Forest to the sidekick of St. Nicholas. In both versions, there are elf-like creatures with a taste for blood! 

Resources:

11 Fascinating Facts About Germany You Didn't Know (theculturetrip.com)

98 Fun & Cool Facts about Germany You Probably Didn't Know | CBS

30 interesting facts about Germany: test your knowledge | Expatica

Knecht Ruprecht - Wikipedia

Who is Knecht Ruprecht? St Nicholas's Christmas-time Companion (germangirlinamerica.com)

Knecht Ruprecht: Santa’s German Helper | OddFeed

Black Forest - Wikipedia

The Longest Words in the German Language (thoughtco.com)