Journal of Vampirology - 1984 - Vol 1 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: JOURNAL OF VAMPIROLOGY
Issue: Vol. I, No. 4
Date: 1984
Publisher: John L. Vellutini
Content Focus: This issue delves into the fascinating and often gruesome world of "viscera suckers," a category of folklore creatures from Southeast Asia, distinguishing them from traditional European vampires. It also includes articles on forensic odontology and the primal urge, and a piece on amassing material related to the subject.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by John L. Vellutini, introduces the issue's focus on Southeast Asian viscera suckers, which are characterized as "birth demons" rather than true vampires. Vellutini critiques earlier vampirologists, particularly Montague Summers and Dudley Wright, for their lack of discrimination and reliance on secondary sources, arguing that the viscera suckers of Southeast Asia deserve more detailed and original research. He encourages a move away from Western-centric views in vampirology and highlights the work of researchers like Jan L. Perkowski and Maximo Ramos. The editorial also previews upcoming articles, including one on "Dracula as Anti-Christ" and a comparison of vampirism with saintly phenomena.

The Viscera Suckers of Southeast Asia (Pages 3-13)

This extensive article explores various forms of viscera suckers across Southeast Asia. It begins by noting that these creatures are not vampires but "birth demons," often mistaken as such by early ethnographers. Their primary targets are pregnant women and infants, with a diet that includes unborn fetuses, neonates, human viscera, blood, and excrement. The article draws parallels between these beings and ancient Greek and Roman mythological figures like the Lamiae and Striges, who also preyed on infants.

Malaysian Variants: Hantu Penanggalan and Hantu Langsuir

The Hantu Penanggalan is described as a woman whose head and intestines detach from her body, allowing her to fly and suck blood. Accounts detail its origin from a pact with a devil or a self-inflicted injury during a religious penance. The Penanggalan's intestines are said to swell and require soaking in vinegar to be reinserted. Protective measures include hanging thorns or jeruju leaves. The Hantu Langsuir is presented as a woman who died in childbirth, also preying on pregnant women and infants, sometimes in the form of an owl.

Philippine Variants: Aswang Manananggal

In the Philippines, viscera suckers are broadly known as Aswang or Aswang Manananggal. These beings, often bodiless heads with trailing entrails, fly at night to feed on fetuses and newborns. They are described as having a perverse appetite, sometimes acting as midwives to gain access to victims. Their stooped appearance is attributed to prowling beneath houses. The article notes their ability to take bird forms and their association with a small bird (tik tik or wak wak) that acts as a scout. Unlike Malaysian counterparts, Aswang can be male or female and may lead a dual life. Methods of becoming an Aswang are detailed, including rituals involving chicken eggs and transmission from an existing Aswang. Prevention methods include using strong odors, thorns, and specific charms.

Indonesian Variants: Tanggal and Pontianak

Indonesians believe in Tanggal, living sorceresses who detach their heads and fly at night to feed on human prey, and Pontianak, the spirits of women who died in childbirth, often appearing as birds with long talons. Both are described as grisly in their appetites and are subject to various preventive measures, including thorny boughs. The Pontianak is said to actively seek out pregnant women to kill them and their unborn children.

Thai and Lao Variants: Krasyy

In Thailand and Laos, the viscera sucker is known as the Krasyy. These are typically older women who prefer moonless nights. They feed on puerperal blood, neonates, and human excrement. Krasyy are often invisible or appear as glowing lights. They can enter a woman's body to devour her and her fetus. Detection methods include observing a faint brown spot on clothing after the Krasyy has wiped its mouth. Protection involves scattering thorns and creating fences around delivery areas.

Were-Animals and Other Beliefs

The article briefly touches upon Indonesian beliefs in were-animals, individuals who can transform into animals like tigers or millipeds, often by projecting their soul substance. These beings seek human organs and secretions. The text also mentions the "Eye-Reflection Test" as a method to detect a person housing a krasyy spirit.

Forensic Odontology and the Primal Urge (Pages 14-16)

This section, though not fully detailed in the provided text, is listed in the table of contents and likely explores the connection between dental characteristics and primal urges, possibly in relation to predatory or monstrous figures discussed in the journal.

Amassing Material (Page 17)

This short section, also listed in the table of contents, likely discusses methods or strategies for collecting information and research materials related to vampirology and related folklore.

A Latter-Day Viscera Sucker? (Page 18)

This piece, indicated by its title and an illustration credit to Hal Crawford from Thomas Bearden's work on "A Mind/Brain/Model Consistent with Quantum Physics and UFO Phenomena," suggests a modern or contemporary interpretation or manifestation of viscera sucker lore, possibly linked to UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the exploration of non-Western folklore, specifically the "viscera sucker" phenomenon, presented as a distinct entity from the European vampire. The editorial stance strongly advocates for original research, a critical examination of established vampirological sources (like Montague Summers), and an expansion of the field beyond its traditional, often Hollywood-influenced, scope. There is a clear emphasis on ethnographic detail and cross-cultural comparison, urging readers to look beyond ethnocentrism and embrace the diversity of global beliefs surrounding blood-drinking and predatory entities.

This issue of The Conspiracy Tracker, identified as issue #9, delves into various aspects of folklore, mythology, and forensic science, with a particular focus on supernatural creatures and human aggression. The content is primarily in English and appears to be from the late 1970s, given the reference to a 1978 illustration and a 1975 Master's thesis.

Viscera Suckers and Related Folklore

The magazine explores the concept of 'viscera suckers,' creatures prominent in Southeast Asian folklore. Descriptions include the 'srei ap' from Cambodia, characterized as bodiless heads with entrails, preferring human excrement, and known as sorceresses. The 'killing mandarin' from Vietnam is presented as a spirit of a stillborn child, causing subsequent deaths in families. The 'Ta Na' from Burma are described as malevolent, witch-like beings capable of assuming any form, possibly originating from supernatural stomachs that feed on human spirits.

Several tests are mentioned for identifying individuals associated with these beliefs, including the 'Eye-Averting Test' and the 'Maggots Test.' The former suggests that a shy person who averts their gaze when looked at directly is a 'host.' The latter involves observing the appearance of maggots in a mortar after lime juice is added, which is considered positive proof of a 'host' due to the belief that maggots enjoy eating feces.

Origins and Parallels of Viscera Suckers

The article speculates on the origins of these beliefs, suggesting a possible link to the octopus due to its tentacles and bulbous head, despite the creature's preference for air. It also considers the man o' war jellyfish as a potential influence. The text draws parallels between viscera suckers and figures from other mythologies, notably Medusa from Greek mythology, whose severed head with snake-like hair is compared to the viscera sucker's appearance. The worship of Medusa is discussed in relation to childbirth and child sacrifice.

A more significant parallel is drawn with the Hindu goddess Kali, who represents destructive forces and is depicted with multiple arms, dripping blood, and feeding on entrails. The article suggests that the cult of Kali may have diffused and influenced beliefs in viscera suckers across East and West.

Forensic Odontology and Human Aggression

Another section shifts focus to 'Forensic Odontology and the Primal Urge,' examining bite marks as a form of aggression. It notes the increasing application of forensic odontology in identifying humans and solving crimes, citing the Ted Bundy case. The article questions whether the rise in bite-mark incidents indicates an 'epidemic of vampirism,' referencing the traditional vampire's habit of biting the throat.

However, it cautions against attributing all bite marks to vampirism, noting that notorious criminals like Richard Chase and John George Haigh did not leave such evidence. Fritz Haarman and Countess Erzebet Bathory are mentioned as individuals who might fit the vampire stereotype, though their actions are re-examined.

The text explores the sexual context of biting, citing Robert Briffault's view that sexual attraction is rooted in sadism and cruelty. It discusses 'hickeys' or 'monkeybites' as common in sexual foreplay and suggests that human biting might have evolved from primate grooming behaviors.

Primalism and Atavistic Behavior

Introducing the concept of 'primalism,' the author proposes it as an explanation for extreme atavistic behaviors. Primalism is defined as the display of behaviors stemming from a primal urge to consume or assimilate, with cannibalism as its most extreme form. Bite-mark aggression, lycanthropy, necrophagy, and vampirism are considered derivative aspects. Mutilation murders are seen as transitional forms, with the use of knives symbolizing both phallic and cannibalistic intent.

The article suggests that socio-economic and psychological factors act as triggers, but the ultimate cause lies in primal urges, citing chimpanzees' practice of cannibalism in the wild as evidence.

Amassing Material for Research

The final section offers practical advice for researchers interested in obscure subjects like vampirism. It suggests engaging a press clipping bureau, subscribing to USA TODAY for current events, browsing out-of-town newspapers and weekly tabloids (like The Sun, Globe, National Examiner, and World Weekly News), and consulting detective magazines. The importance of checking the Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature for relevant articles is also highlighted. The author encourages readers to conduct their own research and potentially write their own books.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of the supernatural, folklore, and the darker aspects of human behavior, including aggression and primal urges. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigative curiosity, seeking to connect disparate beliefs and phenomena, from ancient myths to modern forensic science, and providing practical guidance for further research. There is a clear interest in the origins and cross-cultural influences of folklore and a willingness to propose unconventional theories, such as the link between viscera suckers and figures like Medusa and Kali, or the concept of primalism explaining aggressive behaviors.

Title: Strange Stories
Issue: JUNE
Publisher: A Thrilling Publication
Price: 15¢

This issue of Strange Stories magazine, dated June, is a pulp publication featuring a collection of thirteen complete stories. The cover prominently highlights a novelette titled 'For Fear of Little Men' by Manly Wade Wellman, which is described as being about 'Tribal Wraiths'. The cover art is a dramatic black and white illustration designed to evoke horror and suspense, depicting distressed figures and a demonic presence.

Featured Content

The primary featured work is Manly Wade Wellman's novelette, 'For Fear of Little Men'. The magazine boasts a total of thirteen complete stories within this issue, catering to readers of speculative fiction, horror, and fantasy.

Contributing Authors

This issue includes contributions from a notable roster of authors from the pulp era. Prominently listed are:

• Henry Kuttner
• Tarleton Fiske
• Seth Hammond
• Maria Moravsky
• Norman A. Daniels
• A. Hyatt Verrill
• Robert Bloch
• John Clemons

And others, indicating a diverse range of voices and styles within the issue.

Themes and Genre

The magazine's title, 'Strange Stories', along with the cover art and featured novelette, clearly indicates a focus on horror, fantasy, and the uncanny. The inclusion of 'Tribal Wraiths' suggests themes of folklore, the supernatural, and potentially primitive or ancient evils.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

As a pulp magazine from the era, 'Strange Stories' likely aimed to provide thrilling and imaginative tales. The editorial stance appears to be one that embraces the strange, the horrific, and the fantastical, offering readers escapism through supernatural and often dark narratives. The emphasis on 'complete stories' suggests a commitment to delivering substantial content in each issue.