Krasue

The Krasue (Thai: กระสือ, Khmer: អាប, Lao: ກະສື) is a nocturnal female spirit of Southeast Asian folklore. It is often depicted as a disembodied woman's head with her viscera hanging down, glowing in the darkness.

Origin and Description:

The Krasue is prevalent in the folklore of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Indonesia. While details vary by region, the core features remain consistent: a floating, female head with trailing entrails. The origins of the Krasue are often attributed to a curse, a former life of sin, or violating cultural taboos. Some tales suggest the Krasue was a woman who died during childbirth with strong black magic skills, turning into this spirit after death.

The disembodied head is typically that of a beautiful young woman, though sometimes represented as an old hag. The viscera may include the heart, lungs, stomach, and intestines, trailing beneath the head. A glowing or phosphorescent light is usually associated with the Krasue, thought to be caused by the decomposing organs.

Behavior and Diet:

The Krasue is believed to be a predatory spirit. It is said to prey on blood and raw flesh. Common targets include pregnant women and newborns. The Krasue may use its long tongue to reach and consume the placenta or blood of a mother after childbirth, causing illness or death to the mother and child. It also feeds on excrement and corpses. To hunt, the Krasue detaches its head from its body and floats through the night. During the day, it hides, often returning to its original body (which is usually a human form, indistinguishable from ordinary people). This dual existence makes it difficult to identify a Krasue.

Protection and Prevention:

Various methods are employed to protect against the Krasue. Thorny bushes are often planted around houses to prevent the spirit from approaching. Placing thorny vines on the roofs of houses is another common practice. Pregnant women and new mothers are particularly vulnerable, so special protective amulets and rituals are often performed. Leaving bowls of water containing needles or placing spiky plants near vulnerable individuals are also common deterrents. Identifying and destroying the Krasue's hidden body is thought to be a way to end its existence.

Variations and Related Spirits:

Similar spirits exist in other Southeast Asian cultures. In Malaysia, it is known as Penanggalan. In Indonesia, it is called Leyak in Bali and Palasik in West Sumatra. These spirits share the common characteristic of a detached head with trailing organs and are associated with similar behaviors and origins.

Cultural Significance:

The Krasue serves as a cautionary tale, reinforcing societal norms and taboos, particularly regarding childbirth and death. It is a prominent figure in Southeast Asian folklore and popular culture, appearing in numerous films, books, and television series. The Krasue embodies the anxieties surrounding female power, the dangers of the unknown, and the consequences of violating traditional practices.