Also known as: Lady Takian
Origin: Thailand
Nang Takian means “Lady Takian.” Nang Takian spirits reside in Takian trees (Hopea ferrea). Takian wood is waterproof and hence desired for boat building, but it’s otherwise traditionally considered a very inauspicious tree, not least because of its indwelling spirits. Once common but now endangered, Takian trees are associated with death—they are not planted near homes. According to prehistoric Thai cosmology, Takian trees are portals to the Underworld. If you cut the tree, you’ll allegedly hear its spirit shriek. Whether Nang Takian are ghosts or Fairies is unclear and subject to debate:
* They may be forest Fairies.
* They may be ghosts of women who died violently.
Although Nang Takian names a type of tree spirit, when most people refer to Nang Takian, they mean the specific spirit who shares the shrine of Mae Nak.
Nang Takian exhibit Siren-like behavior. They serenade solitary men with melancholy but alluring songs. Their voices are beautiful. When men investigate the source of this music, they discover a pretty, friendly girl. She may look harmless, but beware! If a man submits to her embrace, she’ll squeeze the life out of him like a snake.
See also: Fairy; Ghost; Lady Banana Ghost; Mae Nak; Nang Takian (2); Siren