Social media trends, especially on TikTok, have become incredibly intense, as people feel a deep need to be a part of the movement, participate in the conversation, and have the products everyone else is showing in their videos.
A popular trend right now is the collection of Labubu dolls.
People everywhere have filmed videos of finding rare boxes in stores, unboxing them and revealing the surprise creature inside, and some even finding the rare "secret" creature.
But some viral and trending commentators have started voicing their concern about the Labubu trend, wondering if the interest is sweeping into the territory of obsession, and based on circulating conspiracy theories, if the interest is even worth it.
Even people who originally did not want a Labubu doll have voiced their bewilderment at their shifting interests.
Probably because of social media, digital influence, and FOMO, many people have shared how they originally didn't want a Labubu and even thought that the dolls were ugly or creepy, only for them to start thinking about them all the time, with the increasing urge to own one, two, or ten.
@stephinparis I want a labubu, I want a labubu 🤣 do you heard it? #labubu #popmart #latinacontentcreator #labubuthemonsters @POP MART US @Beis Travel
Others have even hinted at the obsessive nature of wanting to hop on the Labubu trend.
But beyond collecting Labubu dolls, being a part of the conversation, and possibly getting one of the "secret" dolls, some have become suspicious that there might be more to these dolls than their appearance.
They theorize that perhaps there's a reason that people are so attached to the idea of having a Labubu, or an explanation for why people keep changing their minds about getting one—perhaps...involuntarily?
These social media users believe that these dolls might be evil or demonic, and that their faces are similar to the Mesopotamian demon Pazuzu, as well as the elves in Nordic folklore.
One TikToker discussed this theory at length on TikTok.
@lindsayivan LABUBU PAZUZU DOLL #SCARYFACTS #SCARYVIDEOS #LABUBU #PAZUZU #caughtoncamera
Some TikTokers confessed that Labubu dolls had always made them uncomfortable.
@lindsayivan/TikTok
@lindsayivan/TikTok
@lindsayivan/TikTok
@lindsayivan/TikTok
@lindsayivan/TikTok
@lindsayivan/TikTok
But others did not buy into the theory and offered clarifications about the mythology and folklore.
@lindsayivan/TikTok
@lindsayivan/TikTok
@lindsayivan/TikTok
@lindsayivan/TikTok
@lindsayivan/TikTok
The conspiracy has continued to spread, and some have even cited The Simpsons as proof, since in the episode "Treehouse of Horror XXVIII," Homer brought home a statue of Pazuzu, which contained the demon that possesses Maggie.
In response to the theories, Snopes finally stepped in to clear the air.
According to Snopes, the Labubu comes from a storybook series called The Monsters, which was written and illustrated by Kasing Lung in 2015. Lung moved to the Netherlands from Hong Kong when he was seven, and he quickly jumped into reading children's storybooks and folklore to learn Dutch.
He also got really interested in fairy tales that originated in Northern Europe and Scandinavia, giving his later art and stories a complex and layered feel.
When Lung's storybook series became popular, Pop Mart took interest in the Labubu character specifically and wrote:
"At the heart of [the story] is Labubu, the most iconic Monster, made recognizable by her pointy ears and serrated grin."
"Though her mischievous appearance suggests trouble, Labubu is kind-hearted and always eager to help, even if her good intentions often lead to chaos. Her bright, cheerful smile reminds us that a little positivity can lift our spirits, even in the toughest times."
Looking to Mesopotamian mythology, Pazuzu and Labubu actually bear very little resemblance to one another beyond the large eyes and wide grin.
Also, while some theorize that Pazuzu was an evil, underworldly demon, others felt that the Pazuzu figure was more of a trickster, one inclined more so to create pranks rather than legitimate trouble.
Based on the actual lore behind Lang's work, as well as Pop Mart's take on the Labubu character, it seems highly unlikely that there's any overlap at all between Labubu and Pazuzu.
So if there's a Labubu in your home, there's no cause for concern!
@jessicachastain/Instagram
