OK, we need to talk about something that might be haunting me – literally. You have probably seen them by now; those wide-eyed, sharp-toothed, fuzzy creatures called Labubus. They are a viral phenomenon, seen across multiple platforms. Supposedly, they are just cute, quirky, innocent toys. But what if they aren’t just toys? What if Labubus are demonic vessels projecting themselves as harmless merch?
Their toothy grin looks playful, with a hint of mischief. But traditionally, folklore warns against creatures with sharp teeth, as they are tied to spirits such as hungry ghosts that take and eat souls. Their oversized, bunny-like ears? Some say they mimic those of 17th-century European witches and demons, as depicted in popular illustrations. Many believe these characteristics contribute to Labubu’s “kind-of-creepy” charm and aesthetic. But what if it is more? What if these dolls are actually connected to the ancient Mesopotamian demon, Pazuzu?
One source says Pazuzu was a powerful demon lord, known as the “dark angel of the four winds” and the “prince of the lower aerial kingdoms.” He is described as tall and well-proportioned with “demonic features” such as avian feet, four wings and a feral bird’s beak on an otherwise humanlike face. He was known for corrupting mortals, specifically the innocent and the honest. He would first disguise himself as an aide before corrupting those he viewed as prey. Many people online note similarities between Pazuzu and Labubu, but looking at the pictures and sources, the only similarity I can reliably see is their names, and even that is a stretch.
Another source describes Pazuzu as a demon with a toothy grin, bulging eyes, and animal ears, known for bringing famine and locusts in his wake. There are real visual similarities here: The grin, the ears, and the wide eyes. That leaves you to wonder who is correct, and whether the design is coincidental.
Some theorists believe Labubu might be a “modern Pazuzu.” Pazuzu was often depicted in statues believed to ward off other demons, but in return, the demon demanded attention and reverence. People do similar things with their Labubu figures, except they do not expect to give anything in return. But I stumbled across people who say they have had “weird experiences” since getting theirs. One person claimed that since unboxing a Labubu, they have woken up at exactly 3:33 a.m. every night.
Another person said his apartment was mysteriously flooded days after buying a glow-in-the-dark edition, even though “no plumbing issues were found.” A concerned mother took to TikTok to say her child woke up with scratch marks that “appeared to come from the doll.” In another TikTok, a mother showed her distressed child crying because the doll’s eyes had allegedly “turned red.” There is even a video of a Labubu violently swinging on someone’s rearview mirror in an empty car that was allegedly turned off. It has gotten to the point that people are burning these dolls or taking them to church.
What does the creator of these dolls, Kasing Lung, have to say about the allegations? Nothing. He has been very silent about that particular subject. Lung says he takes inspiration from fairy tales and his imagination, but some point to his sketches that resemble “winged, demon-like figures with teeth and wide eyes.” Labubu could be a “cute filter” for something much more sinister.
It gets better. Ancient Mesopotamians believed Pazuzu could only manifest through widespread worship. And in the 21st century, what better way to do that than through sought-after toys? Every Labubu purchased, unboxed, displayed, and adored could be contributing to a Pazuzu network, something hidden in plain sight, like demonic Wi-Fi.
Now, time for a confession: I do have a Labubu. She was a gift from a very dear friend, and I will admit, we were not fans of the dolls at first. But then, we found out that people were dressing them up- game changer. I took mine to church several times, so even if she is demonic, no spirit is touching me.
As for owning it, nothing paranormal or “demonic” has happened to me. If anything, “she” has only decreased my stress and increased my good fortune. I am not saying you need to throw your Labubu in the trash, but if you believe an evil entity is in your life, rebuke it instead of blaming a doll. But you do you, queen. Until next time.