Leyaks

Leyaks are a class of malevolent beings in Balinese and Indonesian folklore, associated with black magic and witchcraft. They are believed to be astral or physical manifestations used by sorcerers to harm others or to feed on life force. In traditional tales, Leyaks personify the consequences of sorcery and social transgression.

Appearance and powers: The most famous form is a disembodied head with long hanging entrails that can fly through the night, often seen near villages or temples. In some variants, Leyaks are a living person whose head is separated by magical means or a corpse animated by occult power. They are described as dangerous, nocturnal beings that can vanish or shapeshift; they are said to target humans, particularly infants, and to cause illness or death via infiltration into homes.

Cultural role: Leyaks function as part of Bali's traditional worldview about magic and morality. They are tied to the practice of black magic and to the social control of deviant behavior, such as sorcery or the desecration of graves. Stories often accompany ritual protection and exorcism practices by priests or village elders.

In modern media, Leyaks appear in Balinese folklore collections and Indonesian horror fiction, where they are depicted as terrifying predators of the night. They contribute to Bali's image as a land of mysticism and danger in popular culture.