Jenglot

A jenglot [ˈdʒɛŋlɔt] is a deformed humanoid creature in Indonesian culture and mythology. It has the appearance of a tiny, living human doll, up to 12 cm in length. Others have said they are living mummies measuring in between 15 and 20 cm.[1] They have long hair which grows sparse and stiff through the legs, and long nails. It is sometimes said that they were formerly human beings. They have also been called vampires. Jenglots began to appear in the community in 1997.[2] However, Syed Abdullah Al-Attas says they first originated in 1972 (highly disputed).[3]

Whereabouts

Jenglots are said to be found in Indonesia, especially in Java. They are mostly found by psychics after they have performed a supernatural ceremony. Jenglots can be found in any terrain, from under the ground, on a wrecked house roof, and even in the trunk of a huge tree. [4]

Feeding Jenglot

Jenglot 'keepers' feed their creature with blood, either animal blood (goat) or human blood. The blood is placed near the jenglot, which is said not to drink the blood directly. According to traditional belief, the jenglot will get the nutrients of the blood in their own way.

Exhibition

In Indonesia there has been several "exhibitions" of jenglot specimens found and showcased. Most being found on the islands of Java and Sumatra, and are held as private collections of supernatural researchers and fans. Many were found to be hoaxes, being masterful taxidermist fixings of monkeys and fish, however, not all specimens were examined, and the jenglot is an actively believed myth that many natives believe to be real. People who have caught the jenglot usually bring their creature all over Indonesia to exhibit them in order to gain some money. They have also been shown at Pameran Misteri, Jin, Hantu dan Keranda at Sultan Alam Shah Museum, Shah Alam.[5] Others still maintain that they are no more than "man-made toys [with] no supernatural power."[6]

In 2008, scientists in Malaysia examined hairs and DNA from four jengelots brought from Irian Jaya, Indonesia to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by a 'businessman' to be exhibited in a local museum. Each of the samples appeared to be from humans and DNA analysis showed it was likely from the same person. They even noted that "A few hairs from samples [...] also had an intact dried root at the other end of the cut tip, which indicated that the hairs were implanted upside down on the Jenglots’ heads".[7]

Becoming a Jenglot

According to an Indonesian legend, Jenglot was an ascetic who wanted to learn the "Ilmu Bethara Karang"[8] or the way to eternal life. It also said to be a hermit who worships demons and gains a certain power and ability. They say if a person with great supernatural power meditates in a certain cave, they'll become jenglot.

See also

References
  1. Moonlight. "A Bloodthirsty...Doll?". Vampires.com.
  2. Shaturaev, Jakhongir. "Mystery of Jenglot". Wordpress.
  3. "DNA to shed light on 'jenglot'".
  4. "Strange Encounters" Jenglot (TV Episode 2016) at IMDb
  5. "DNA to shed light on 'jenglot'".
  6. Zulkefli, Adie Suri. "'Jenglot' just a superstition". NST.
  7. Zafarina, Z; Panneerchelvam, S (2009). "Analysis of hair samples using microscopical and molecular techniques to ascertain claims of rare animal species". Malays J Med Sci. 16 (3): 35–40. PMC 3329137. PMID 22589663.
  8. Aditya, Candra. "ASAL USUL BATARA KARANG ATAU JENGLOT".
  • Jenglot, "Monster Kecil" yang Misterius (in Indonesian Language)
  • Jenglot Jive – Tiny Entities Discovered In Southeast Asia
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