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Vetala
Spirits that inhabit corpses and hang upside-down from trees in cremation grounds. They can tell the future and possess the living. The famous 'Baital Pachisi' tells of a king who must capture one 25 times.
Ancient - Present
India
2000+ witnesses
The Vetala is a vampire-like creature from Hindu mythology that animates corpses.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
The Vetala:
- Is a spirit that inhabits corpses
- Hangs upside-down from trees
- Found in cremation grounds
- Can see past, present, and future
- May be helpful or harmful
Appearance
Vetalas are found:
- Hanging from trees in charnel grounds
- Inhabiting dead bodies
- Near cremation sites
- In cemeteries
- As animated corpses
Powers
The Vetala can:
- Reanimate dead bodies
- Tell the future
- Drive people mad
- Possess the living
- Guard treasures
Baital Pachisi
The famous story cycle:
- King Vikram must capture a vetala
- 25 stories told
- The vetala poses riddles
- Each answer frees it
- An ancient Sanskrit text
In Worship
Some traditions:
- Vetalas can be controlled by mantras
- Used in black magic
- Bound to service
- Guard temples
- Aid practitioners
Modern Influence
Vetalas appear in:
- Indian horror films
- Literature
- Video games
- Comparative vampire studies
- As Indian vampires