Pelesit

Pelesit is a Malay term for an inherited spirit or demon which serves a master. It is found in early Malay animism.^[1]

Origin

The Pelesit is reared by a woman as a shield for protection, guidance, and most probably as a weapon to harm other people. In that way it is associated with a black magic practitioner. It is the female version of Hantu Raya which confers great power on the owner.^[2]

In old Malay culture some people chose to live alone thus isolating themselves from society. They practiced black magic in order to gain strength, power, protection, beauty, but not popularity. Some gained a certain level of popularity or renown but there were others who remained in secrecy and refused to mingle with people.

This practice is popular among Malays who are animists and involved in the so-called Saka (the inheritance of a spirit from one generation to another). Pelesit is commonly associated with the grasshopper since it has the ability to turn itself into one. Some say it is the green sharp pointed-head grasshopper.

Pelesit is one of the ghost mentioned in "Hikayat Abdullah", written by Abdullah bin Abdul Kadir, much to the amusement of Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles, his employer.^[3]

Uses

Typically the owner, the Bomoh (shaman), uses the spirit in an exploitative way for monetary gain. The pelesit is first used to attack someone randomly, then the same Bomoh will be called to exorcise the so-called demon inside the victim (while the spectators have no idea that the bomoh is playing tricks on them). Later, a certain amount of money is given to the bomoh as a token of appreciation.

A bomoh keeps his pelesit in a small bottle and offers it his own blood every full moon.

Problem

Pelesit is a dark spirit revered by shamans in Malay culture. It feeds on blood and works as a servant for its master. It demonizes people and causes chaos in society. Pelesit must have a continuous host and therefore needs to be passed down from one generation to the next. It should always be taken care of and fed constantly because if not, the demon will soon create havoc among the local inhabitants of its master's village, especially after the master's death.

In Popular Culture

In Kijiya, a Malaysian komku series, a Pelesit is the creature that appear after the Tsunami which is the main enemy of the human after the event.^[4]

References

External links

Vampires: A Field Guide to the Creatures That Stalk the Night, By Bob Curran, Published by Career Press, 2005, ISBN 1-56414-807-6, ISBN 978-1-56414-807-0, 222 pages - Google books.

Indonesian mythology

Java	Babi ngepet Dewi Sri Genderuwa Keong Emas Jailangkung Jenglot Nyai Roro Kidul Pocong Pontianak Sundel bolong Tuyul Warak ngendog Wewe Gombel

Bali	Barong Batara Kala Bulan Pejeng Hyang Kala Rau Leyak Rangda Setesuyara Twalen

Sumatra	Malin Kundang Orang bunian Pelesit Silewe Nazarate

Kalimantan	Hudoq Kuyang Lembuswana

Sulawesi	Sureq Galigo

Nusa Tenggara	Ebu gogo

Maluku	Hainuwele O Tokata Suanggi

Malaysian mythology

Legends	Badang Mahsuri Mount Ledang Princess Nunuk Ragang Seri Gumum Dragon Siti Wan Kembang Princess Santubong

Malay Saint	Datuk Keramat

Chinese spirit places	Na Tuk Kong Tua Pek Kong Sin Sze Ya and Si Sze Ya

Types of Malaysian ghosts	Hantu Air Hantu Demon Hantu Raya Hantu Tinggi Orang Bunian Orang Minyak Penanggal Pocong Polong Pelesit Pontianak Toyol

Priestess, shaman etc.	Bobohizan Bomoh Dukun Pawang

See also	Malay ghost myths Superstitions of Malaysian Chinese Ghost Festival

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