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Popobawa
A one-eyed bat-winged demon that attacks people in their beds at night. Victims must tell others of the attack, or Popobawa returns. Mass panic has gripped Zanzibar during outbreaks of sightings.
1965 - Present
Zanzibar, Tanzania
1000+ witnesses
Popobawa is a shapeshifting evil spirit from Zanzibar folklore that attacks people at night.
The Legend
According to documented reports:
Popobawa:
- Is a bat-winged creature
- Has a single eye
- Attacks at night
- Victims must report attacks
- Or it returns
The Name
“Popobawa” means:
- “Bat-wing” in Swahili
- Popo (bat) + bawa (wing)
- Describes its appearance
- Local term for the entity
- Known throughout Zanzibar
Attacks
Popobawa typically:
- Enters homes at night
- Attacks sleeping victims
- Causes physical assault
- Leaves by morning
- Returns if not disclosed
Mass Panics
Several outbreaks occurred:
- 1965 (first reports)
- 1995 (major panic)
- 2000s (periodic sightings)
- People slept outside
- Whole communities affected
Characteristics
The creature:
- Shapeshifts
- Has sulfurous smell
- Causes paralysis
- One large eye
- Bat wings
Theories
Explanations proposed:
- Sleep paralysis
- Mass hysteria
- Political manipulation
- Genuine entity
- Cultural phenomenon