Hantu - Malay Ghosts

Hantu - Malay Ghosts

Hantu is a term used in Malay folklore to refer to ghosts or spirits believed to inhabit various places, objects, and beings in nature. These supernatural entities can take many forms, with different types representing aspects of life, death, or nature.

Types of Hantu

Hantu Belang

According to one legend, Hantu Belang appears when a person's corpse hangs from a tree above a river. It was said that he would repeatedly ask the living person who passed by whether they saw his body hanging there, until they answered back, confirming it.

Hantu Penkul

This type of Hantu is a vengeful spirit known for its excessive love of killing people. Its name comes from the Malay word for 'flail.' According to some accounts, it can kill a person with a single strike, while others say it requires more than one strike.

Hantu Tembila

Hantu Tembila is a type of spirit that appears at night, causing a sudden illness to those who see it. It is believed that the only cure for this sickness is to visit the grave of the spirit and offer a sacrifice.

Hantu Perangkat

Hantu Perangkat is a type of spirit that appears after dark. It is said to possess the ability to contort and change the shape of a person's body.

Hantu Tikus

Hantu Tikus is a type of ghost believed to inhabit a grave or a place where a person died. It is often associated with a grave or a burial ground, and it is said to be accompanied by evil spirits.

Hantu Air

Hantu Air is a type of ghost that appears in the water, often associated with a body of water where someone has drowned. It is believed that it can cause a person to drown if they see or are seen by the ghost.

Hantu Kecil

Hantu Kecil is a small ghost that usually appears around children. It plays with them and can even cause harm.

Hantu Bukit

Hantu Bukit is a type of ghost that inhabits mountains or high ground.

Conclusion

The concept of hantu has been part of Malay culture for centuries, with each region having its own unique stories, legends, and beliefs. While these tales may be rooted in fear and superstition, they serve to remind us of the importance of respecting nature and the spirits that inhabit it.