The story of Santa Claus is traditionally associated with a third century Turkish monk, Saint Nicholas [a name that came from a shortened version (Sinter Klaas) of his name (Sint Nikolaas). However, we can also find a correlation between Santa and a pagan entity named Odin; for example, Odin had an eight-legged horse and Odin would lead a hunting party through the sky to celebrate. A parallel may be drawn between this and the story of Santa and his eight reindeer. There are also stories of a Celtic winter god, the Holly King, who was pulled by eight reindeer through forests to *give gifts* and aid to a dwindling population.