Have you ever heard of the aswang? The aswang is a mythical creature in Filipino folklore with a taste for human flesh, particularly that of unborn fetuses. There are regional variants of this creature, yet there are certain commonalities. One of the aswang's prevalent characteristics was the ability to shape-shift into animals such as cats, dogs, and pigs. Another commonality is that during the day, the aswang looks just like any other human; it is only at night that it transforms into an aswang.
A shape-shifting creature with a taste for humans that roams the night in search of humans to victimize? Yeah, that'll certain frighten the children...
In truth, parents in my country who wanted their children to behave would frighten them with tales of the aswang. Similarly, my mother and grandmother told me tales about the aswang as I was growing up. Of course, as an adult, I'm aware that the aswang is not real, but it sure is effective in scaring children since I personally experienced it. Personally, I find the tale of the Aswang to be both terrifying and intriguing. And considering how popular the stories of the Aswang have become, I'm not alone on this.
Speaking of popularity, even today, the aswang's prominence in Filipino culture has not diminished. In contrast, the aswang's popularity appears to have increased in recent years. There have even been foreign films made about it. There were even games that featured the creature. In conclusion, the aswang is rapidly gaining global recognition, as bizarre as that may sound.
Anyway, what do you think of the aswang? Did you find it scary? Fascinating? Or both?