Nusa Tenggara
Marapu
Nature / Ancestral Spirit Danger 2 of 5 · Unsettling
- Form
- Ancestral spirits (marapu)
- Origin
- The marapu of Sumba: deified ancestors who remain active members of the clan, addressed through megalithic tombs, marapu altars and rato priests — the whole traditional religion of Sumba takes their name.
- Behavior
- Govern fertility, law and fortune; neglected marapu withdraw protection.
- Deterrents and vulnerabilities
- Offerings, ritual speech, tomb feasts — a living religion.
- Diet
- Spiritual energy / offerings
- Culture
- Sumbanese
- Region
- Nusa Tenggara
- Sampling
- Added in dataset v3–v5; first placed on a tree here.
Coded characters
◆ New entry coded by folklore synthesis. Sex: Unspecified.
| Human-like | Humanoid, witch, or human spirit |
|---|---|
| Sex | Male, unspecified, or variable |
| Death or birth origin | Not death or birth related |
| Incorporeal | Embodied creature or witch |
| Flight | Grounded |
| Burial | Grave, shroud, or cemetery |
| Children | None |
| Blood and organs | None |
| Theft and mischief | None |
| Hair or fur | None |
| Animal form | None |
| Detached head | None |
| Fire or light | None |
| Water | None |
| Forest | None |
| Settlement | Village, house, hospital, or road |
| Black magic | Black magic or witchcraft central |
| Widespread | Localized |
| Body plan | Humanoid spirit |
| Diet | Life force or offerings |
Nearest on the tree
Identical coding to Datuk Keramat, Eyang Jugo, Opo Empung, Lulik, Nunusaku Spirits, Korwar, Mbis Spirit, so the tree cannot separate them.
