Batibat
A tree-dwelling demon that suffocates sleepers near its post.
Last updated
It attacks sleeping humans by suffocating them and invading their dreams, causing sleep paralysis and waking nightmares.[1] The Ilocano word for nightmare, "batíbat," derives from this creature.[1] According to Ilocano folklore, the Batibat is a demon described as an ancient, grotesquely obese female spirit that lives in trees and seeks vengeance.[1]
Key facts and history
The Batibat usually contacts humans when its tree is felled and made into a house support post, leaving it homeless.[1] When a person sleeps near it, the Batibat transforms into its true form and attacks.[1] The same entity is referred to as Bangungot in Tagalog folklore.[1] After its tree is cut down, the Batibat moves into the remaining portion of that tree.[1]
People are prohibited by the Batibat from sleeping close to the post where it resides.[1] Biting one's thumb or wiggling one's toes are actions recommended to repel the Batibat.[1] Performing that action results in the person waking up from the nightmare.[1]
References
- Wikipedia, "Batibat" (CC BY-SA 4.0), which cites: Ramos, "Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology", University of the Philippines Press, 1971 (original not read by us) en.wikipedia.org
Each numbered sentence above was checked against the source it cites before publication. Sentences citing Wikipedia adapt text from the English Wikipedia article Batibat (contributors), used under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is available under the same licence. Other sources were used for facts only; no text or images are copied from them.
More in Female legendary creatures
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Batibat (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced