Sundel bolong
 | You can helpexpand this article with text translated fromthe corresponding articlein Indonesian.(August 2010)Click [show] for important translation instructions.
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| Grouping | Legendary creature |
|---|---|
| Sub grouping | Vengeful ghost,nocturnal,undead |
| Similar entities | Tai Thang Klom |
| Folklore | Indonesian |
| Country | Indonesia |
| Region | Southeast Asia |
| Habitat | Haunted house,graveyard,area where death took place |
In Indonesian mythology, asundel bolong,is a mythicalghostfrom the archipelago which is a woman with beautiful long black hair and a long white dress (her form is similar toPontianak). The myth is closely linked toprostitutes,meaning a "prostitute with a hole in her", in reference to the large hole which is said to appear in her back.
Etymology[edit]
The name "sundel bolong" derives from the physical appearance of the ghost. The word "sundel" which means "prostitute"or"whore"and" bolong "inJavanesewhich literally means "hole". Modern folklore studies believe that the myth was developed in Javan culture to deter prostitution that developed during theDutch East Indiescolonization.
Mythology[edit]
In folklore, a sundel bolong, more commonly referred to as a prostitute ghost is the soul of a woman who died when she was pregnant outside of marriage and therefore gave birth in her grave, or who died during childbirth and the baby came out from her back (this is the reason why the hole was created in her back)[1]which is concealed from men by her long black hair.
The victims of sundel bolong consist mainly of men and children. As a vengeful spirit, if rejected by a man, she is said to castrate him.[1]Children, especially newborns are said to be taken to replace her lost child.
Sundel Bolonghas appeared in a number of movies.[2]In 1981, an adult horror film,Sundelbolongwas released, directed bySisworo Gautama Putraand in 2007,Legenda Sundel Bolongwas released, as well as a remake version,Suzzanna: Bernapas dalam Kuburwhich was released in 2018.[3]
Popular culture[edit]
- InMarvel Anime: Blade,the sundel bolong are depicted as an Asian vampire sub-species.
- In the horror gameDreadOutdeveloped by Digital Happiness, sundel bolong is featured as one of the ghosts.
See also[edit]
- Bloody Mary (folklore)
- Keres(Κῆρες), spirits of violent or cruel death inGreek mythology
- Madam Moke
- Onryō
- Tai Thong Klom
- White Lady
References[edit]
- ^abClifford Geertz (1976).The religion of Java.University of Chicago Press.p. 18.ISBN978-0-226-28510-8.
{{cite book}}:|work=ignored (help) - ^Reinterpreting Identities in Indonesian Classic Films Poster
- ^Legenda Sundel Bolong
