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Aswang
The most feared creature in Filipino folklore. By day, an ordinary person. By night, a monster that devours the unborn from the womb with an impossibly long tongue. Entire villages have panicked from aswang sightings.
Ancient - Present
Capiz Province, Philippines
100000+ witnesses
The Aswang is the Philippines’ most terrifying monster.
The Legend
According to Filipino folklore:
The aswang:
- Shapeshifting creature
- Appears human by day
- Transforms at night
- Hunts pregnant women
- Feared nationwide
Forms
The aswang can be:
- Vampire (manananggal)
- Witch
- Viscera sucker
- Werewolf-like creature
- Various forms
The Manananggal
Most feared form:
- Separates upper body
- Flies on bat wings
- Long proboscis tongue
- Feeds on fetuses
- Through pregnant belly
Characteristics
How to identify:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Avoids salt, garlic, holy objects
- Reflection appears inverted
- Dogs bark at them
- Nervous around religious items
The Hunt
At night they:
- Target pregnant women
- Wait on rooftops
- Insert tongue through gaps
- Suck the unborn
- Leave no trace
Protection
Traditional defenses:
- Garlic and salt
- Religious objects
- Ash and vinegar
- Stingray tail
- Fire
Capiz Province
The heart of aswang belief:
- Called “Aswang Capital”
- Strongest traditions
- Most sightings reported
- Fear deeply ingrained
- Tourism now embraces legend