Chawmnu (The Chawm Woman)
The Chawm is a type of spirit or forest demon, quite similar to the Phung. They primarily inhabit riverbanks and deep, shaded ravines. Because they are almost exclusively depicted as female, they are specifically referred to as Chawmnu. They are described as massive women with dark, dusky complexions and coarse, matted hair. Their most striking physical feature is their extremely long, sagging breasts. Their diet is said to consist of snails, forest mushrooms, and banana hearts. While there are no specific accounts of them being inherently malevolent or dangerous to humans, their appearance is so terrifying that anyone who encounters them is instantly filled with dread. Related to these legends is the Hmuichukchuruduninu, a restless and voracious spirit that consumes whatever it catches, whether animal or human. It is said that she uses her long, tapered snout to suck out the brains of children. To many, her mere appearance is the embodiment of nightmare.
The Encounter: Pu Challianchhunga and the Chawmnu
While many claim to have seen a Chawmnu, the most detailed account comes from Pu Challianchhunga of Cherhlun village, a man known for his bravery and skill as a woodsman. One year, the village of Cherhlun cleared land for farming near the Tiau River, bordering Burma. During the weeding season, a strange, shrill sound—resembling the cry of a Vahmim bird but harsher—echoed through the fields. Though the creature remained unseen, the villagers were terrified, and almost no one dared to stay overnight in their field huts (thlam). Being a brave Pasaltha (warrior/hero), Pu Challianchhunga decided to stay alone. It was the night of the new moon, pitch black and lonely. He kept a small fire burning and lay down with his head toward the wall and his feet toward the door, resting his head on his hands. For protection, he kept his Muzuk spear propped up within arm's reach.
The Midnight Visitor
Around the time of the "first cock-crow" (late night), he heard that same shrill, bird-like cry. It drew closer and closer to his hut. Prepared to strike with his spear the moment anything entered, he waited. As the creature stepped onto the porch, the entire hut shook under its weight. Suddenly, the doorway was completely blocked by the massive upper body of a Chawmnu. Her enormous breasts, described as being as large as traditional beer jars and glistening with an oily sheen, hung heavily into the room. Though his mind was perfectly clear, Pu Challianchhunga found himself completely paralyzed. He tried to reach for his weapon or move his limbs, but he was frozen as if by a spell. He could only lie there and stare. After some time, the creature moved away. The moment she stepped off the porch, his paralysis vanished. True to his brave nature, he wasn't rattled; he simply went back to sleep and heard nothing more that night.
Note: Other villagers, including a man from Hnahchang, have reported seeing the Chawmnu in broad daylight in deep ravines. Their descriptions of her appearance always remain consistent.
