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Penanggalan
A woman's head that detaches at night, trailing its entrails behind as it flies. It hovers outside homes of pregnant women, using its long tongue to suck the blood of the unborn. By day, she seems normal.
Ancient - Present
Malaysia and Southeast Asia
10000+ witnesses
The Penanggalan is Southeast Asia’s most horrifying vampire.
The Legend
According to Malay folklore:
The Penanggalan:
- A woman’s severed head
- Detaches at night
- Entrails dangle below
- Flies through the air
- Hunts pregnant women
Origins
A woman becomes this by:
- Practicing dark magic
- Breaking sacred oath
- Being cursed
- Using beauty spells
- Dealing with spirits
By Day
In daylight:
- Appears completely normal
- Often a midwife
- Socializes normally
- No one suspects
- Returns head to body
By Night
After dark:
- Head separates
- Stomach, intestines follow
- Flies seeking prey
- Hovers at windows
- Long tongue reaches in
The Hunt
She targets:
- Pregnant women
- Newborn babies
- Women in labor
- Fresh blood
- The vulnerable
Protection
Traditional defenses:
- Thorny plants at windows
- Pandan leaves
- Her entrails snag on thorns
- Can’t return to body
- Dies at sunrise