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Leyak
A Balinese witch whose head detaches at night, flying through the darkness with dangling organs. The Leyak seeks pregnant women and newborns. Powerful black magic keeps it alive.
Ancient - Present
Bali, Indonesia
500+ witnesses
The Leyak is a mythological figure in Balinese folklore—a witch whose head and entrails fly separately from the body.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
The Leyak:
- Is a practitioner of black magic
- Detaches head and organs at night
- Flies through the air
- Hunts pregnant women and babies
- Returns to body before dawn
Description
At night, the Leyak:
- Separates head from body
- Organs dangle below
- Tongue hangs out, long and dripping
- Eyes glow
- Makes cackling sounds
Creation
One becomes a Leyak by:
- Practicing black magic
- Learning forbidden rituals
- Inheriting the power
- Making dark pacts
Behavior
The Leyak:
- Attacks pregnant women
- Targets newborns
- Drinks blood
- Can cause illness
- Is most active at new moon
Protection
To guard against Leyak:
- Offerings at crossroads
- Special prayers
- Protective amulets
- Traditional healers (balian)
- Staying indoors at night
Related to
Similar to:
- Penanggalan (Malaysia)
- Manananggal (Philippines)
- Krasue (Thailand)