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Penanggalan
A woman's head detaches, trailing organs, and flies through the night seeking pregnant women. The Penanggalan soaks her entrails in vinegar to shrink them back into her body. Malaysia's most feared vampire.
Ancient - Present
Malaysia
500+ witnesses
The Penanggalan is a vampire from Malay folklore—a detached female head with dangling entrails that preys on pregnant women.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
The Penanggalan:
- Is a woman’s floating head
- Entrails dangle below
- Flies at night
- Hunts pregnant women
- Uses vinegar to re-enter body
Origin
A woman becomes Penanggalan by:
- Using black magic
- Breaking taboos during pregnancy
- Being cursed
- Making pacts with evil spirits
Description
The creature:
- A woman’s head
- Long, trailing entrails
- Glowing or visible at night
- Makes a distinctive smell (vinegar)
- Can be identified by day
Behavior
The Penanggalan:
- Detaches at night
- Flies seeking victims
- Uses long tongue to feed
- Targets pregnant women and newborns
- Returns before dawn
Protection
To guard against it:
- Thorny leaves under houses
- They tangle the entrails
- Hang jeruju (thistle) plants
- The thorns catch it
- It cannot return to body
Identifying by Day
The Penanggalan woman:
- Smells of vinegar
- May look pale
- Acts normal by day
- Her secret must be kept