TaseBurmese
In the folklore of Burma, the demons known as the Tase are among the most feared supernatural entities. These ghosts and spirits, believed to be disembodied souls of dead men and women, form an army of death-fiends that instill terror in the hearts of villagers. The Tase are not only regarded as vampires, but they are also considered spreaders of disease. There are several different orders of Tase, each with its own malevolent way of torturing mortals.
One particularly feared order is the Thabet Tase, the malignant spirits of women who have died during childbirth. These demonic entities return from the dead as succubi, preying on men. The Thabet Tase make their presence known around twilight, lurking near the homes of villagers, haunting men in particular. Their appearance at dusk adds to the eerie atmosphere, making villagers wary of venturing outside after dark.
Another terrifying group of demons is the Thaye Tase, grotesque giants who manifest during outbreaks of deadly diseases such as smallpox and cholera. The Thaye Tase are believed to be the souls of those who died violent deaths. Their most sadistic delight comes from materializing beside the bed of a dying person, where they giggle and laugh hideously, relishing in the victim’s agony. These demons are a grim reminder of the suffering caused by epidemics, feeding off the despair of their victims.
Hminza Tase is the name of a third, albeit lesser, group of demons. These spirits possess the ability to enter the bodies of animals such as crocodiles, dogs, and tigers. Haunting the grounds where they once lived, the Hminza Tase seek vengeance for the misfortunes they endured in life. Anyone crossing their path is subject to their wrath, and their vengeful spirits make no distinction between the guilty and the innocent. These demons take the form of ferocious animals, making them particularly dangerous.
The Burmese people take great care to prevent the return of the Tase. In an attempt to avoid being haunted by these malevolent spirits, many villages refrain from erecting gravestones. The belief is that if the dead cannot remember who they were in life, they will not come back to haunt their former homes. Additionally, sacrifices, death dances, and festivals are performed in an effort to appease the Tase. The villagers also resort to making loud noises, such as beating pans or the sides of their houses, in the hope that the din will drive the demons away.
Demons
