Impaginato 5.p65 - Universitat Rovira i Virgili
Impaginato 5.p65 - Universitat Rovira i Virgili
Impaginato 5.p65 - Universitat Rovira i Virgili
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102<br />
Roslyn M. Frank<br />
In the case of Hans Trapp he sometimes accompanied a female figure called<br />
Christkind, although his role was similar to that of the other dark intruders.<br />
Figure 13. Christkind and Hans Trapp in Elsace 1850. Reproduced in Weber-Kellermann (1978: 35).<br />
It should be noted that when only one figure appears, e.g., the Pelzmärte or<br />
Pelznickel, Hans Trapp or Knecht Ruprecht, 12 he is in charge of distributing both<br />
punishments and rewards, although he too strikes fear into the hearts of children<br />
(Figures 13 & 14). In this sense, the characteristics associated with these figures<br />
correspond more closely with the older profile of this fearsome creature.<br />
Figure 14. Franz von Pocci (1807-1876): Der Pelzmärtel, 1846.<br />
Reproduced in Weber-Kellermann (1978: 32).<br />
12 For an interesting discussion of Knecht Ruprecht and his European counterparts, cf. http:/<br />
/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Companions_of_Saint_Nicholas.