Tradition: Indian Mythology
Alternative Names: Ajaju
Category: Lizard
The Myth
The Ajaju is a terrifying carnivorous creature feared by the Garo people of Achik Asong and Dura Hill in the Garo Hills of India. It resembles a chameleon, but has unusually long legs without knees, resembling smooth bamboo stalks without joints. Its head may look like that of a human or a chameleon. Its most horrifying feature is its twelve long, sharp, forked tongues, which are extremely flexible and used to capture prey and strip away their flesh and blood.
The Ajaju moves effortlessly through trees, swinging from branch to branch, but struggles to move across the ground. Chasing someone downhill is nearly impossible for it, yet those fleeing uphill have little chance of escape. Its long, sickle-like tongues can reach and seize them, swallowing their bodies and stripping away their flesh and blood until only a few bones remain. The creature then spits out these bones in disgust.
To lure victims, the Ajaju calls in a shrill voice, repeating “wa-o, wa-o, wa-o.” If someone answers, it continues calling and approaches with each repetition. Those entering its territory are therefore advised to call out in a high-pitched voice themselves. If the Ajaju answers, they must remain silent and flee as far as possible rather than responding again.
Despite its terrifying reputation, the Ajaju is also associated with powerful medicinal properties. Its body parts are believed to have great healing value, including the extraordinary ability to replace missing bones when resurrecting someone. One account claims that Ajaju remains were obtained from Rongkugiri after several creatures were killed there decades ago.
Sources
“Ajaju.” A Book of Creatures, February 12, 2021. https://abookofcreatures.com/2021/02/12/ajaju/