Pontianak: The Vengeful, Violent Vampiric Ghost of Southeast Asia

After suffering a horrible death while pregnant or during childbirth, the pontianak, or kuntilanak, has long been a staple of Malay horror. Known for her long black hair, sharp claws, and desire for blood and organs, this popular monster of Southeast Asia is as deadly as she is beautiful...(well, sometimes).

In addition to serving as an allegory for the tension between traditional and modern cultural and spiritual practices, these monsters gave name to a real city. In this episode, you’ll learn how Islamic trade routes, animism, and the role of women in Southeast Asia contribute to stories of this notorious ghost.

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