Hairy Ghost (Myanmar)

Hairy ghosts, as their name suggests, are entirely covered in coarse black bristles. These massive spirits, classified as deformed ghosts in Myanmar folklore, have two large, shiny eyes—sometimes as big as a frying pan. Their presence is said to be accompanied by a pungent, rotten smell.

While one might assume that hairy ghosts are simply misidentified apes in the forests, their sightings are not limited to the wilderness. Anecdotes about encounters with hairy ghosts are also reported in bustling cities. These specters are said to inhabit deep forests and mountains, as well as desolate areas in urban locations, such as derelict buildings.

According to local beliefs, hairy ghosts are fond of meat, especially raw beef.

Find out more about these ghosts in Ghosts, Spirits and Paranormal Entities from Asian Folklore and Mythology (Book 1).