Tikoloshe
Ghosts, Ghouls and DemonsOrigin: Zulu mythology. South African.
Description: Dwarf, gremlin, water sprite like creature. Aka Tokoloshe.
Unlike the 80's style gremlin, instead of multiplying, this roguish evil spirit becomes invisible once drinking water. The Tikoloshe (also Tokoloshe) is called upon by malicious people to cause trouble for others. It is said to be used to scare children into behaving well.
The worst kind of Tikoloshe can have the power to bestow great pain and illness upon its victims. It is said that it can even cause death. Whilst small in stature, the Tikoloshe are said to resemble zombies and even poltergeists. It is said to cause great trouble where ever it roams.
According to the Zulu, it can take on a bear humanoid (mini bigfoot) form and can rape women and bite the toes of sleeping people.
To ward off the Tikoloshe it is thought that keeping a brick beneath each leg of ones bed will deter it. If you see a Tikoloshe, it is said that you are never to speak of it or the creature will seek you out again and cause you pain.
In South Africa between 1953 - 1955, Elifasi Msomi was the elusive "Axe Killer". He was hanged in 1956 after being convicted of hacking 15 people to death. Msomi blamed his victims' deaths on the Tikoloshe which, he said, would appear on his shoulder and order him to kill. Unfortunately there is a saying 'When in doubt, blame the Tikoloshe', as it is the Tikoloshe who is the doer of all evil.
Written by Nic Hume of APPI - Australian Paranormal Phenomenon Investigators
Put together by Ashley Hall - The Paranormal Guide
Photo: Weird creature killed and photographed thought to be a Tikoloshe. Regardless of what it may be (possibly a deceased animal with mange etc) it certainly stirred up fear in South Africa.
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