The Jathilan, or Jaran Kepang is horse spirit that makes contracts with men and grants them supernatural abilities, acting as guardian spirits for a price. Upon contracting with them, the spirit possesses the individual. When called upon, the person enters into a sort of trance. When the"possessed individual is in trance conditions, they can display unusual abilities like enhanced strength, speed, durability and resistance to pain, though with negative side effects afterwards. During their trances, the person may eat grass.
Appearance[]
When not possessing a host, the Jathilan has the appearance of a dark hairless and furless horse with it's mane and tail replaced by ethereal flames. It looks similar to a barghest but less grotesque.
Trivia[]
- The Jathilan is based on the traditional Javanese dance, Kuda Lumping, which incorporates bamboo horses, spirit possession and trances.