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Toyol
The spirit of a dead infant, bound to serve a master. The Toyol steals money and small objects. It must be fed blood and kept happy—or it turns on its owner.
Ancient - Present
Southeast Asia
500+ witnesses
The Toyol is a spirit from Malay and Indonesian folklore—the ghost of an infant used for theft and mischief.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
The Toyol:
- Is a dead infant’s spirit
- Bound through black magic
- Used to steal for its master
- Must be maintained and fed
- Can turn dangerous
Creation
A Toyol is made by:
- Obtaining an aborted or dead fetus
- Performing dark rituals
- Binding the spirit
- Keeping it in a jar
- It becomes a servant
Description
The Toyol appears as:
- A small child or baby
- Green or grayish skin
- Red eyes
- Sharp teeth
- Childlike but unsettling
Uses
Masters use Toyol to:
- Steal money and valuables
- Spy on enemies
- Cause minor harm
- Bring luck (sometimes)
- Do small tasks
Maintenance
To keep a Toyol:
- Feed it blood (often owner’s)
- Give it toys and candy
- Keep it in a dark place
- Treat it like a child
- Never neglect it
Dangers
A neglected Toyol:
- Becomes angry
- Attacks its owner
- Must be properly disposed of
- Can haunt the family
- Passing it on is difficult