Anjilik

The Anjilik is a form of evil spirit from the myths of the Marshall Island native people, especially from the Rongelap Atoll. There are various forms of these spirits that cause migraines, vertigo, sinusitis, and sneezing. They were known to follow the commands of the deity Wulleb and other higher spirits. Special charms could be made and worn to deter these creatures. They can seen sailing to someone as they enter their bodies. In response, a medicine man makes a fire, shapes a parandus leaf into a canoe shape, and sends it away into the sea. They command the Anjilik to leave and go to a mythical island called Eb. If this is successful the victim sees them sail away in a canoe, if it fails then the Anjilik takes their soul.

Citations:

Frazer, James George. The Belief in Immortality and the Worship of the Dead: The belief among the Micronesiana. United Kingdom, Macmillan, 1913.

Taafaki, Irene J., et al. Traditional Medicine of the Marshall Islands: The Women, the Plants, the Treatments. Fiji, Institute of Pacific Studies, University of the South Pacific, 2006.