The Labubu collectible figure, an elf-like creature with a mischievous grin and serrated teeth, has exploded in global popularity, but its viral success has been shadowed by a dark and persistent rumor. As of late
The rumor, which suggests the innocent-looking figure is somehow cursed or based on a malevolent spirit, has spread rapidly across social media platforms, fueled by the character's slightly unsettling design—a feature that is, ironically, central to its charm. To truly understand why this conspiracy is baseless, one must look past the sensational claims and delve into the authentic, officially documented lore created by its Hong Kong-born artist, Kasing Lung, and the whimsical universe of *The Monsters* series.
The True Story: Creator Kasing Lung and The Monsters Universe
The Labubu character is the brainchild of renowned Hong Kong illustrator and artist Kasing Lung, a figure whose artistic journey began long before the character became a global blind box sensation through his collaboration with POP MART. His work is celebrated for its blend of whimsical, sometimes dark, European-style illustration with a unique, playful monster aesthetic. Understanding the creator and the original context of the character is the first step in debunking the "devil's pet" myth.
Kasing Lung: The Artist Behind Labubu
- Full Name: Kasing Lung (龍家昇)
- Born: 1972
- Birthplace: Hong Kong
- Career Start: Began his career as an illustrator in Hong Kong, initially gaining recognition for his illustrated storybooks around 2011.
- Creative Inspiration: His work, including *The Monsters* series, is heavily inspired by a lifelong fascination with Nordic mythology and European folklore, giving his characters a distinct, storybook quality.
- Key Collaboration: His partnership with the Chinese toy giant POP MART catapulted Labubu and his other creations into the mainstream, turning his designer toys into high-demand collectible figures.
Labubu: Character Profile and Official Lore
Labubu is the most famous character in Lung's original book series, *The Monsters*, which established the character's universe.
- Character Type: An elf-like monster (sometimes described as a rabbit-like monster).
- Gender: According to the original *The Monsters* books, Labubu is a girl, as are all the other monsters in the Labubu tribe.
- Personality: Described as a kind-hearted, loveable trickster who is always willing to lend a hand, though she often accidentally causes trouble or does bad things.
- Distinct Features: High, pointed ears, a mischievous grin, and nine serrated teeth. She does not have a visible nose.
- The Monsters Group: Labubu is part of a group of characters collectively known as "The Monsters," which includes Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky, and Pato.
The Viral Conspiracy: Why is Labubu Called a "Devil's Pet?"
The sensational claim that Labubu is a "devil's pet" stems from a viral conspiracy theory that gained traction on social media, particularly on platforms discussing religious and mythological interpretations of popular culture. This theory is built on a single, tenuous link to an ancient entity.
The Pazuzu Connection
The primary source of the "demonic toy" rumor is the alleged connection between Labubu and Pazuzu.
- Who is Pazuzu? Pazuzu is a mythological demon from ancient Mesopotamian religion, particularly known in Assyrian and Babylonian cultures. He is often depicted as a combination of human and animal parts, with a monstrous face, talons, and sometimes four wings.
- The Pop Culture Link: Pazuzu is most famously known in modern pop culture as the demonic entity that possesses the young girl in the iconic 1973 horror film, The Exorcist.
- The Rumor's Logic: Fringe theories began to circulate online, suggesting that Labubu's exaggerated, monstrous facial features—the sharp teeth and large ears—were secretly modeled after the iconography of Pazuzu. This, combined with the character’s "mischievous" nature, was misinterpreted as a sign of a demonic or Satanic origin.
- The Misinformation: The theory suggests Labubu is an instrument of the devil, leading to extreme reactions, including reports of people burning their collectible dolls.
Debunking the Myth: Labubu's Nordic Folklore Roots
The truth is that the "devil's pet" narrative is a classic case of viral misinformation colliding with a lack of knowledge about the toy’s official lore. The artist, Kasing Lung, has been very clear about his influences, which are rooted in whimsical, protective, and sometimes mischievous spirits from European and Nordic mythology, not Mesopotamian demons.
The Influence of Nordic Folklore
Labubu’s design is a modern interpretation of traditional monster elves. The character's aesthetic is not meant to be evil, but rather a representation of a playful, chaotic good that is common in mythological storytelling. The serrated teeth and monstrous look are simply artistic choices to make the character a unique and memorable "monster," contrasting with the typical "cute" aesthetic of many designer toys.
- The Monster Elves: Labubu and the other characters (Zimomo, Tycoco, etc.) are explicitly described as "monster elves." In many folklore traditions, elves and mischievous spirits like the Nisse or Tomte from Nordic culture are known for their trickery, but they are generally viewed as household protectors or guardians, not agents of evil.
- The Artist's Stance: Creator Kasing Lung has consistently maintained the innocent, storybook origins of the character. Fact-checkers and mythology experts have also confirmed that there is no factual or mythological connection between Labubu and the demon Pazuzu.
- The Meaning of the Name: The name "Labubu" itself was created by Kasing Lung as a fictional, whimsical name for his character, and it does not have a specific, pre-existing meaning in Chinese or any other language that would suggest a dark origin.
The Cultural Phenomenon of Blind Box Collectibles
The Labubu rumor is also a byproduct of its massive success within the designer toy and blind box collectible market. The Labubu figure, especially through its POP MART blind box series, has become a global phenomenon, appealing to collectors who appreciate its unique blend of cute and creepy aesthetics. This high visibility and rapid rise to fame make it an easy target for sensational, clickbait-style conspiracy theories.
- Blind Box Culture: The element of surprise in the blind box format drives immense hype and collectibility, increasing the character’s visibility and, consequently, the spread of both positive and negative viral content.
- The Art of Contrast: Labubu's appeal lies in its contrast: a kind-hearted elf with a monstrous face. This duality is a key feature of designer toys, where artists often challenge traditional notions of "cute" and "creepy" to create compelling, high-concept figures.
- Topical Authority Entities: The Labubu universe is rich with related entities that confirm its artistic and commercial nature, including the publisher How2work, the other monster characters (Zimomo, Tycoco), and the specific product categories (Vinyl Toys, Plush Toys, Designer Art).
In conclusion, the claim that Labubu is a "devil's pet" is a modern urban legend, a viral conspiracy theory that is definitively false. The character is a beloved, mischievous elf from a whimsical storybook series created by Kasing Lung, inspired by Nordic folklore. Collectors can rest assured that their Labubu figures—whether they are Zimomo, Tycoco, or the classic Labubu—are simply pieces of modern designer art, not instruments of an ancient demon.
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