POPOBAWA

ORIGIN: East Africa.

The Popobawa is an urban legend with an origin that comes from the Zanzibar archipelago in Tanzania, East Africa. 

Its name translates to "bat-wing," which is the creature's main feature. 

Descriptions of the Popobawa so far vary, but it is commonly said to have a humanoid body with a monstrous, demonic face, glowing red eyes, sharp claws, and large bat-like wings. 

Some say it can shapeshift, being a human by day and transforming into its true horrifying form at night.

The legend of the Popobawa gained fame in the 1970s, when waves of reported sightings and attacks began causing mass hysteria. 

What makes the Popobawa particularly scary however, is not only its appearance but also its method of torment. 

It is said to invade homes at night, paralyzing its victims before assaulting them sexually and physically. 

The creature is said to only target men and is believed to strike any who deny its existence. 

Its victims all said they felt a suffocating, crushing pressure on their chest and a pungent sulfur-like smell when it attacked them.

The fear of the Popobawa is so intense that entire communities have stayed awake through the night, huddled together, believing in safety in numbers to defend themselves.

Whether real or imagined, the legend till this day, continues to haunt the people of Zanzibar.