Marshall Islands
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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.…
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The Two Boys Who Tricked A Tropical Demon
The Two Boys Who Tricked A Tropical Demon is a story recounted by Tonke Aisea. On the island of Wōnbar, two boys lived with their parents. Every day, the father found food for his family, and one day his sons asked him to bring home kōtkōt birds, so they could watch the birds fight. The children went to find birds to eat, and the father rowed off in his canoe to catch fish. He caught many fish and returned to trap a fighting bird for each of his sons. He gave his sons the birds and told them to avoid the North side of the island. The boys built a…
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Mejenkwaad
The Mejenkwaad is a form of ghost or demon from the Marshall Islands. They are formed when the husbands of pregnant women leave, and do not return before the birth. After transforming, they devour their husbands as soon as they return. It was believed this was the fate of any lonely pregnant woman. There is a story of the island of Airok which had an incredibly high pregnancy death rate and was filled with Mejenkwaad. There were two women who never gave birth and lived to be old. They treated these Mejenkwaad as their daughters. They lived on the oceanside of Airok and none passed through that area because of…
