Fern Flower
Published on November 10, 2018

Amalanhig

  • Amaranhig
  • Maranhig

Regions of expansion

Philippines 1
Philippines

Description

A creature from the folklore of the Visayas (especially among the Hiligaino-speaking groups). Amalanhig literally translates as "hard" (it is believed that amalanhig have stiff legs that cannot bend).

These are half-dead, half-decomposed corpses that can only move in a straight line. They slowly and methodically pursue their victim, and when they overtake her, they can tickle her to imminent death from fear and laughter. You can escape from them by zigzagging or by water (they are afraid of deep reservoirs). You can also escape from them by climbing a tree or any high platform.

They have no specific motive other than harming others.

It is believed that Amalanhig are Aswangs who failed to fully preserve their magical power after death, or victims of Aswang vampires. Having risen from the grave, these amalankhigs hide in the forest. At night they go to nearby villages to hunt the inhabitants and drink blood with their pointed tongue.

According to another version, these are people who died with unfinished business or those who were killed and returned to take revenge.

They are also able to imitate the words of the people they encounter. Their presence is usually determined by the stench of their rotting flesh. 

Amalanhig in popular culture