The Labubu origin story has gained global interest, especially with the rapid rise of this enigmatic character in the collectible toy and fashion world. Widely featured on social media and embraced by global celebrities, Labubu has quickly evolved from an illustrated book figure to a cultural icon. Yet, as with many modern creations inspired by ancient symbolism, the character has become subject to misinterpretation and conspiracy theories that stray far from its original artistic intent.
What Is Labubu and Who Created It?
For those unfamiliar, the saga begins with Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung. Created in 2015, Labubu first appeared in Lung’s sketchbooks and was later featured in his illustrated children’s series known as The Monster Trilogy. However, it was not until 2019—when Lung partnered with Beijing-based Pop Mart to produce the Labubu doll—that the character began to captivate a global audience.
Today, Labubu the monster is part of the designer toy phenomenon, taking form in plush versions, vinyl art collectibles, Labubu toys, bag charms, keychains, and limited-edition merchandise. When BLACKPINK’s Lisa showcased a Labubu doll on her handbag, the image went viral, further fueling its global popularity.
What Is Labubu Based On?
The question leads us into the realm of European folklore. Kasing Lung, who grew up in the Netherlands, drew deep inspiration from Nordic folklore and Scandinavian mythology, particularly stories involving elves, trolls, and forest spirits. These mythical beings were traditionally seen as guardians of nature—mischievous yet benevolent creatures who rewarded respect and punished transgression.
Importantly, Labubu is not a direct copy of any existing mythological figure. Instead, Lung created a new narrative by weaving elements of ancient forest lore with his own imagination. The result is a creature that embodies whimsy, magic, and the duality of mischief and moral justice. This unique origin reinforces that this viral character is not a repurposed figure from folklore but a modern-day mythical creation.
Design and Symbolism
Visually, Labubu is defined by its quirky, somewhat unsettling charm—pointed ears, a long smiling face filled with sharp teeth, wide expressive eyes, and a small, fuzzy body. These exaggerated features help to evoke the same emotional response elicited by traditional fairy-tale figures: part delightful, part uncanny.
Often appearing in themed costumes or seasonal designs, this figure evokes both nostalgia and fantasy. Its playful exterior pays homage to the timeless appeal of childhood wonder, while its deeper symbolism invites reflection on our relationship with nature, myth, and belief systems.
The Labubu Conspiracy Theory: Demon or Design?
As with many viral phenomena, Labubu has not escaped controversy. A now-deleted viral TikTok video sparked a conspiracy theory, where users claimed the popular doll resembled demonic figures—specifically, the Pazuzu demon from ancient Mesopotamian mythology.
Supporters of the theory pointed to its sharp teeth, pointed ears, and intense gaze as evidence of occult influence. They drew comparisons to the Mesopotamian demon Pazuzu, famously portrayed in The Exorcist, alleging that the toy harbored dark symbolic meaning. Despite a lack of credible sources, the theory spurred a wave of viral edits, speculative threads, and conspiracy-laden content online.
The Labubu Burning Trend
In response to the viral panic, certain religious communities began calling for the disposal of these toys and figurines, arguing that they embodied demonic energy. This movement led to videos and images of people destroying their expensive collectibles as a symbolic act of spiritual cleansing.
However, these reactions are based on a fundamental misunderstanding. Labubu origin is rooted in nature-based spirituality and artistic interpretation—not occultism. Its design is symbolic of folklore creatures who protected forests and maintained the balance between humanity and the natural world.
Understanding the Pazuzu Demon
To contextualize the comparison, it’s important to explore the demon Pazuzu in its original setting. In ancient Mesopotamian culture, Pazuzu was both feared and revered. Associated with the southwest wind, he was believed to carry disease and famine, yet was also called upon to repel other malevolent forces.
Contrary to his modern cinematic portrayal, the Mesopotamian demon was considered a protective force. Amulets bearing his image were worn to guard homes and families from evil. As historian Dr. Selena Wisnom has pointed out, Pazuzu was a common figure invoked by exorcists—not to cause harm, but to defend against it.
Thus, the visual similarities some draw between Labubu and Pazuzu are largely superficial and contextually misplaced.
Nordic folklore and Scandinavian fairy tales, rich with elves and forest spirits, originate from ancient pagan traditions that predate Christianity. The Norse believed in a spiritually animated natural world, inhabited by powerful beings tied to fertility, magic, and the elements. Elves were viewed as semi-divine entities, while forest spirits served as guardians of the land, capable of bestowing favor or punishment depending on human behavior. These narratives embodied a worldview that honored the sacred balance between nature and the mystical forces that governed it.
Misinterpretation of Pagan Symbolism
The controversy is not unique. Many elements of pagan mythology—particularly symbols related to fertility, nature, and protection—have been systematically misunderstood or demonized over time. For instance, what was once regarded as sacred (e.g., phallic symbols representing life and fertility) has been recast as obscene or evil in modern religious discourse.
Labubu, much like the misunderstood Pazuzu, is a symbolic figure rooted in folklore and creativity. Yet today’s moral panic and internet conspiracies reduce it to a caricature of fear. These distortions overlook the cultural depth and artistic intent behind its creation.
Read: Exploring The Pagan Origins Of Easter
Conclusion: Reframing the Narrative
The Labubu origin story reflects a synthesis of myth, art, and imagination. Far from being a vessel of occult symbolism, Labubu the monster is a modern character inspired by the spiritual essence of ancient Nordic folklore and shaped by the creative vision of its artist.
Misinterpretations such as the Labubu conspiracy theory highlight the broader issue of how ancient wisdom is often reframed through a lens of fear and misunderstanding. Whether it is the mislabeling of Labubu as a demonic figure or the sensationalist treatment of Pazuzu, such narratives detract from the richness of cultural heritage.
Understanding figures like Labubu requires contextual awareness and cultural literacy. Rather than succumbing to viral panic, we must strive to preserve the integrity of mythological inspiration and respect the artistry behind modern adaptations.
