Krasue is a nocturnal female spirit found in Southeast Asian folklore. It is often depicted as the floating, disembodied head of a young woman with internal organs dangling from her neck, including the heart, stomach, and intestines. The legend of the krasue comes from Southeast Asia and tells of a woman’s head (with its intestines dangling below it) flying around in the night and looking for raw flesh to devour.
The krasue is believed to be a vicious creature driven by extreme hunger and thirst. It is active throughout the night until it must return to its body by daylight. During the hours of the day, it will wander among the local population as a normal human. The krasue is said to feed on human flesh at night and has sharp, vampire-like fangs. It can be killed by severing its intestines or finding its body.
Krasue has been the subject of numerous horror movies and TV shows in Southeast Asia. In 2019, a Thai supernatural horror film called “Inhuman Kiss” was released, which revolves around the story of a krasue living a normal life as a woman by day, but at night her head detaches from her body to feed on human flesh. Despite being a fictional character, the krasue remains deeply ingrained in Southeast Asian culture and continues to fascinate and terrify people to this day.
Origins of the Krasue Myth
Cultural Background
The Krasue myth is a popular legend in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia. The myth is deeply rooted in the culture of these countries and has been passed down from generation to generation. The Krasue is believed to be a female spirit that appears at night and has a floating head with internal organs hanging down from its neck.
Historical Context
The origin of the Krasue myth is unclear, but it is believed to have originated from the Angkorian Khmer culture. According to the legend, a Khmer princess who was meant to marry a Siamese nobleman after her people were defeated in war, but she was in love with a young man of low status. The princess was cursed by a witch and turned into a Krasue, and her internal organs were removed from her body. Since then, the Krasue has been a popular myth in Southeast Asian countries.
The Krasue myth has been depicted in various movies and TV shows in the region, including the recent film, Inhuman Kiss (2019). The movie focuses on an innocent young woman who is the unwitting host to a Krasue, a demon who causes havoc in her village. The Krasue is also said to give off a will-o’-the-wisp-style luminescent glow and possess sharp, vampire-like fangs. The Krasue myth continues to be a popular legend in Southeast Asia and is often used in horror movies and TV shows.
Physical Description of the Krasue
Appearance
The Krasue is a nocturnal female spirit of Southeast Asian folklore. It is often described as a floating, disembodied head of a young woman with internal organs dangling from her neck, including the heart, stomach, and intestines. The Krasue is said to give off a luminescent glow similar to a will-o’-the-wisp and possess sharp, vampire-like fangs. It is also believed to have long hair and a pale complexion.
Powers and Abilities
During the day, the Krasue is allowed to walk among humans as one of them. It appears as a typical human woman, often beautiful, and is able to interact freely with the world around her. However, as night falls, the Krasue transforms into a ghastly floating head with its entrails and spinal cord dangling. It is said to be able to fly and move quickly through the air, making it difficult to catch or escape from. The Krasue is also believed to have the power to possess humans and animals, causing them to act erratically and violently.
In conclusion, the Krasue is a fascinating and terrifying creature of Southeast Asian folklore. Its appearance and powers have been the subject of many stories and legends, and it continues to captivate the imagination of people around the world.
Krasue in Popular Culture
Film and Television
Krasue has been a popular subject in Thai cinema and television for decades. The first film featuring Krasue was made in 1962, titled “Krasue Sao” (The Ghost of Mae Nak). Since then, there have been numerous films and TV series featuring Krasue. Some of the notable ones include “Krasue Valentine” (2006), “Krasue Sawasdee” (2009), and “Krasue: Inhuman Kiss” (2019). These films and TV series have helped to keep the legend of Krasue alive and relevant in Thai popular culture.
Literature
Krasue has also been a popular subject in Thai literature. One of the most famous works featuring Krasue is the novel “Krasue Krongkarn” (The Bloodthirsty Krasue) by Sanya Pholprasit. The novel tells the story of a young woman who turns into a Krasue and seeks revenge on those who wronged her. The novel has been adapted into several films and TV series and is considered a classic of Thai horror literature.
Online Media
Krasue has also made its way into online media. There are several video games featuring Krasue, including “Krasue: The Forest” and “Krasue: Deadly Night”. These games allow players to experience the terror of being chased by a Krasue in a virtual setting. Additionally, Krasue has become a popular subject in Thai social media and online forums, with people sharing stories and images of Krasue sightings and discussing the legend.
Beliefs and Superstitions
Protection Against Krasue
In Southeast Asian folklore, Krasue is believed to be a nocturnal female spirit that preys on humans and animals. There are several superstitions and beliefs about how to protect oneself from Krasue. One popular belief is to place thorny branches around the house or on the roof to prevent Krasue from entering. Another belief is to hang garlic or onions around the house, as it is believed that the smell of these vegetables repels Krasue. In some regions, people also hang mirrors outside their homes, as it is believed that Krasue is afraid of her own reflection.
Regional Variations
The Krasue myth is prevalent in different regions of Southeast Asia, and as such, there are variations in the beliefs and superstitions surrounding the creature. In Thailand, for instance, it is believed that Krasue is attracted to the smell of blood. Therefore, people avoid eating or cooking meat at night to prevent Krasue from being drawn to their homes. In Cambodia, Krasue is believed to be a cursed spirit that is the result of a person’s evil deeds in their past life. In the Philippines, Krasue is known as Manananggal, and it is believed that she can be killed by sprinkling salt or ash on her exposed organs while she is out hunting for prey.
By following these beliefs and superstitions, people hope to protect themselves from the malevolent spirit of Krasue.
Comparative Mythology
Similar Entities Worldwide
The Krasue is not unique to Southeast Asian folklore. Similar entities exist in other cultures around the world. For example, in Cambodia, there is a similar spirit called the Ap. In Malaysia, there is the Penanggalan, which is a female vampire that detaches its head and flies around at night. In Indonesia, there is the Leyak, which is a flying head with entrails that feeds on fetuses.
Influence on Other Myths
The Krasue has influenced other myths in Southeast Asia. For example, in Thailand, the Krasue is sometimes associated with the Phi Pop, which is a ghost that appears as a headless person with its organs hanging out. In the Philippines, the Krasue has influenced the myth of the Manananggal, which is a female monster that detaches its upper body and flies around at night to prey on pregnant women.
Comparative mythology is important in understanding the similarities and differences between myths from different cultures. By comparing the Krasue to other similar entities around the world, we can gain a better understanding of its cultural significance and influence.