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Cryptid

Leyak

Balinese witches who transform at night. Their heads detach with dangling entrails to hunt for pregnant women and newborns. By day, they seem like ordinary villagers. Only a powerful priest can stop them.

Ancient - Present
Bali, Indonesia
3000+ witnesses

Leyak are witches in Balinese folklore who transform into flying heads at night.

The Legend

According to documented folklore:

Leyak:

  • Are practitioners of black magic
  • Transform at night
  • Head detaches with entrails
  • Hunt pregnant women
  • Serve the witch queen Rangda

Transformation

At night:

  • They use magic oil
  • Head separates from body
  • Entrails dangle below
  • They fly seeking victims
  • Return before dawn

Rangda Connection

Leyak serve:

  • Rangda, the demon queen
  • Leader of all leyak
  • Enemy of Barong (good spirit)
  • Central to Balinese cosmology
  • Eternal battle of good and evil

Protection

Traditional defenses:

  • Barong masks
  • Priests (pedanda)
  • Holy water
  • Offerings
  • Prayers and ceremonies

Sources

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