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Manananggal
At night, she detaches her upper body and flies off on bat wings, trailing her organs. The Manananggal hunts pregnant women. Find her hidden lower half and destroy it—before she returns.
Ancient - Present
Philippines
1000+ witnesses
The Manananggal is a vampire-like creature from Philippine folklore that separates its upper body to hunt.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
The Manananggal:
- Separates its torso at night
- Grows bat-like wings
- Flies off hunting
- Preys on pregnant women
- Uses a long tongue to feed
Description
The creature:
- Appears as a beautiful woman by day
- At night, separates at the waist
- Upper body sprouts wings
- Has long, sharp tongue
- Entrails dangle below
Hunting
The Manananggal:
- Lands on roofs of houses
- Uses its tongue to reach victims
- Targets pregnant women
- Feeds on blood and hearts
- Particularly the hearts of fetuses
Destroying It
To kill a Manananggal:
- Find its hidden lower body
- Sprinkle salt or ash on the wound
- Expose it to sunlight
- It cannot rejoin and dies
- Garlic also repels it
Cultural Impact
The Manananggal:
- Is the Philippines’ most famous monster
- Appears in many films
- Used to scare children at night
- Represents fear of pregnancy dangers