Toyol

Introduction

A toyol or tuyul is an undead infant that appears in folklore in Southeast Asian countries and especially in Malaysian mythology. It is considered a helper by local shamans who are also known as dukun or bomoh who practice black magic. The primary use of the demon is to steal from the rich like the Babi Ngepet from Indonesian mythology.

In villages, people keep these creatures for various reasons, such as to steal or sabotage. With special rituals, toyol can be made to be powerful and lethal. Usually, it is kept in a jar in a dark place until needed or buried. Once the use of the spirit does not exist is is either buried deep or disposed at sea. The curse of an improperly disposed toyol can stay with a family for generations.

Physical Traits

The toyol is often described as a toddler who is almost naked. In modern times, it has been given a similar appearance to that of a goblin with green skin and pointed ears.

Other Names

This spirit is known by different names in various cultures and traditions. The Malay word toyol is tuyul in Indonesian and Javanese. It is known as cohen kroh in Khmer, and kwee kia in Hokkien. In Thai mythology, the male version is called kumarn-thong. Philippine mythology also has a similar creature known as tiyanak.

Powers and Abilities

They can be used to do tasks for their owners which mainly include stealing, causing harm, helping in gambling, creating a nuisance or in some very rare cases, even murder. The toyol is very attached to the owner and gets stronger every year. The presence of another child in the house incites extreme jealousy in the demon who then tries to harm its owner and the child.

The jar is usually passed on from parents to children as a protector of the family. There are many rules that have to be kept in mind while taking care of a toyol which makes it a very difficult task. Although useful in many ways, they are not particularly smart and get distracted easily like small children. Some ways people use to save themselves from this spirit is to have lots of toys and marbles in their house. All valuable are also kept near a mirror as they are scared of their own reflection.

Modern Day Influence

Even today, many families in Malaysia and other parts of South East Asia have a jar with a toyol at home. They are now popular characters in many TV shows and cartoons. The Hollywood movie Gremlins was also loosely based on the rules to take care of this demon baby.