Al Karisi: The Scarlet Woman
Demons of Childbirth
Al Karisi is a demon in Turkish folkore whose name means “the Scarlet Woman,” or “the Red Woman.” The word “Al” is a reference to a particular class of demon recognized in the regions of Central Asia, the Caucasus, and some parts of the Middle East. Als are demons associated with childbirth, fertility, and pregnancy. There are many different demons within this class, but they tend to share certain traits such as a taste for internal organs, and while they can be either male or female, they almost always appear in the form of an old woman. Al Karisi is one of these demons, and she has influenced a lasting tradition in Turkey.
Stories suggest that Al Karisi is a shapeshifter who may appear in one of countless different forms. It is said that she comes in the shape of a large bird, a cat, or even a large canine. Most often however, she is said to prefer the shape of large, elderly woman dressed in red. This image is often terrifying, as her features are distorted and ugly, and her size is overwhelming. She may also take the shape of someone that the victim knows.
It is said that Al Karisi stalks women who have recently given birth to a child. Many Al demons will kidnap or otherwise harm infants, but Al Karisi is primarily interested in the new mothers. She watches and waits for the mother to fall asleep before entering the room and cutting out the woman’s liver. She has hypnotic powers which render her targets paralyzed when they meet her gaze. It is said that they can be fully…