Aswang Tiyanak

(AZ-wang TEA-ya-nak)

Variations: Anak Ni Janice, Tyanak

This vampiric demon from the Philippines is the offspring between a woman and a demon, but it can also come into being when a child dies without having been baptized. Another way an aswang tiyanak can be created happens when a mother aborts a fetus. In this instance, it springs into life and brings nothing but hardship and misery to the woman who should have been its mother.

The aswang tiyanak is described as having redskin, no HAIR, and glowing red eyes. It hunts women by shape-shifting into an adorable baby and placing itself somewhere it will be found. When it is discovered, the aswang tiyanak waits until it has been taken home. Then when its would-be rescuer is asleep, the vampire will assume its true form and attack, draining the victim dry of blood.

Source: Demetrio, Encyclopedia of Philippine Folk Beliefs, 398; Jocano, Folk Medicine, 109, 169; Lopez, Handbook of Philippine Folklore, 146, 221, 227; University of the Philippines, Asian Studies, 297