The Leyak of Bali
In Bali, people say some sorcerers can leave their bodies at night and fly through the dark as glowing balls of light, to cause harm.
What was reported
A leyak is a figure of Balinese belief: a person who practises black magic and can transform at night. In some stories the leyak's head leaves its body and flies as a floating light; in others it becomes a monkey, a bird or a pig. Lights seen over graveyards and in the rice fields at night are said to be leyaks.
Their queen is Rangda, a terrifying widow-witch with long hair and tongue, who battles the good lion-like Barong in the famous Barong dance, a struggle with no final winner.
Explanations offered
Leyaks belong to Balinese Hindu belief about the balance of good and evil, acted out in temple dances and festivals. The Barong and Rangda dance is still performed daily for visitors, and in temples for ceremonies.
- When
- Told for centuries
- Where
- Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
- Witnesses
- Balinese folklore
- Status
- Legend
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.
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