Hailing from Malaysia, the penanggalan is a vampiric entity that takes on the form of a woman. The name “penanggalan” derives from the Malaysian word tanggal, which means to remove or take off. In its full translation, the name means “head with dancing entrails”. This name also serves as the description of the penanggalan—a floating head of a woman with several internal organs trailing behind it. In many depictions, the head is accompanied by a full digestive tract or sometimes even a full spinal cord. From a distance, the penanggalan is said to take the appearance of a ball of flame.
There are many different versions of folklore as to how a penanggalan is created, but all typically point to black magic as the root. In some stories, a woman willingly dabbles in black magic and submerges herself in vinegar up to the head. In others, the creation of a penanggalan is the result of a curse. According to one version of the story, a woman who seeks eternal youth and beauty can keep a vegetarian diet for 40 days, after which they will become beautiful. However, if one were to break said diet early, the woman is cursed to transform into a monster with a thirst for blood.
Penanggalan are mostly associated with vinegar, as some stories warn people that the creature smells of it constantly and others claim that the penanggalan must bathe in vinegar to return into her body. Pregnant women and children are also connected to the tales of the penanggalan as their primary targets. Penanggalan are typically found working as midwives or servants in households with expecting mothers. When the mother finally gives birth, the penanggalan steals the infant and eats it.
Due to the voracious appetite of the penanggalan, couples in Malaysia are encouraged to lock windows and doors, as well as cover any possible crack or opening in their home. While it may seem strange to cover each and every crack or opening in the house, this is because the penanggalan is described as lacking bones, thus giving it the ability to slip through the smallest of spaces. Other possible ways to ward off or defend oneself from the penanggalan include placing sharp objects around the home such as glass shards or thorns, which will catch on the organs of the penanggalan and harm her, or following her to her cave or house to catch her off guard when she is asleep.
The penanggalan, though terrifying on its own, also serves as a warning towards those who wish to practice black magic. Though not a popular monster in most forms of horror media, they are most notable as a possible enemy in Dungeons & Dragons. Overall, the penanggalan is a creative take on a standard vampire and its grotesque appearance makes it an absolutely terrifying creature.
Sources:
Comments