Labubu has taken the world by storm! Whether you have always been part of the frenzy or jumping on the bandwagon now, you must be aware of this viral character. Today, we dig deeper into the Labubu origin story, because, well, we can’t let Pagan mythology be tarnished, again and again!
If, unlike me, you have a social media presence and come online often, you have surely stumbled upon this furry little creature, at least once.
From celebrities like Cher, Rihanna, and Kim Kardashian flaunting it on their handbags to its front-row appearance at the Milan Men’s Fashion Week AW24, the Labubu craze is everywhere! But how did it start?
The Labubus origin story blends Nordic folklore with fresh creative ideas, creating a modern day magical character whose charm and story have captivated celebrities, collectors, and everyday people alike. But what is Labubu or who is Labubu?
What Is Labubu?
It is a character envisioned and created by Hong Kong–born artist Kasing Lung who grew up in Netherlands. He made Labubu in 2015. First he drew this character in his sketchbook, then later, he made it appear in his illustrated children’s picture books, part of what he calls “The Monster Trilogy”.
But only after he turned this character into a plush Labubu toy by collaborating with Beijing-based toy brand Pop Mart, in 2019, it gained its massively wild popularity.
Labubu now is part of the designer toy world, often associated with collectible vinyl art toys, cuddly dolls, charms, bag accessories, key-chains, and limited-edition collectibles, primarily by the Pop Mart brand.
According to many, when BLACKPINK’s K-pop star Lisa shared photos of herself using a Labubu doll as a charm on her designer handbags, the images quickly gained massive attention online and helped spark the global trend.
What Is Labubu Based On?
Growing up in the Netherlands, Lung was fascinated by the Nordic folktales and legends of mythological creatures like the elves, trolls, and other forest spirits.
Mentioned in many Nordic folklore and Scandinavian fairytales, these entities are playful, mysterious, and mischievous in nature. These elves and forest creatures are a very important part of Nordic culture.
They dwell in forests, fields, and mountains. They are basically the guardians of the forest, the land, and nature. However, sometimes, they play tricks on people.
It is believed that when these tricksters gather in the woods, they leave “elf circles” behind them, which have powerful magical properties.
These forest spirits could bestow good fortune or misfortune on people, depending on their conduct. They protected forests and ensured that people respect nature.
Labubu the monster and its other friends come from these mythologies and folklores of Northern Europe. But it should be noted that this character is not borrowed from any folktale or legend. No.
Lung created a modern day mythology with this character. He blends ancient lore with his creative ideas, his imaginative prowess, and his love for magic and fairy tales.
He took the celebrated forest spirits of Nordic tales and gave them a contemporary form. The result is a phenomenal character that feels both benevolent and malevolent, depending on your perception!
Labubu The Monster
Drawing inspiration from the elves of the age-old Norse legends, this popular character is designed as a small, mischievous creature with big pointed ears, a long face with a wide, toothy grin, and large expressive eyes.
It has a furry-looking body, short limbs, and often appears in various playful costumes or themed outfits. The character radiates a sense of magic and mischief, echoing the charm of traditional fairy tales.
The Labubu Conspiracy Theory and The Pazuzu Demon
Just as all things that gain great popularity, the Labubu doll, too, got surrounded by controversy. All of a sudden, around mid-2024, a viral TikTok video (now deleted) suggested that Labubu’s design wasn’t just cute or quirky, but inspired by demonic symbolism.
Some users began comparing the toy’s mischievous grin and pointed features to Pazuzu, the ancient Mesopotamian demon famously depicted in horror films like The Exorcist.
Creators pointed to the toy’s sharp teeth, exaggerated ears, and haunting stare, drawing eerie parallels to Pazuzu’s iconic imagery.
While most people dismissed it as far-fetched or an internet overreach, the theory sparked a wave of spooky edits, deep-dive videos, and wild speculation, turning Labubu into a character of alleged occult power.
Now devout Christians are urging people to get rid of their Labubu toys as they carry a demonic energy. Things have escalated so much that people are seen setting their extraordinarily expensive and painstakingly procured Labubu dolls on fire. Social media platforms such as Reddit, TikTok, and X are abuzz with conversations surrounding this topic.
However, all these couldn’t be any farther from the truth. Labubu and its world is based on Nordic mythology, the lessons hidden in the folklores, and their influence on an artist’s perception, imagination, and creativity.
Nordic folklore and Scandinavian fairy tales featuring elves and forest spirits are deeply rooted in ancient pagan mythology. Long before Christianity, the Norse people believed in a spiritual world where nature was alive with powerful, magical beings. Elves were seen as semi-divine figures tied to fertility, magic, and the natural world, while forest spirits were protectors of the land who could bring blessings or misfortune based on how humans treated their environment. These stories reflected a pagan worldview that revered nature and its unseen forces, portraying a sacred balance between humanity and the mystical elements of the earth.
Labubu the monster stands for joy, adventure, good deeds, mischief, curiosity, and protection of our forests, not demonology. There is absolutely no connection between the two. But speaking of demons, who is this mesopotamian demon Pazuzu, anyway?
Pazuzu Demon
According to historians, Pazuzu, a powerful and often intimidating figure from ancient Mesopotamian lore, stood at the intersection of deity and demon, both feared and revered for his protective yet unsettling presence.
Pazuzu was linked to the southwest wind, a force believed to carry famine and disease across the Assyrian empire of Mesopotamia, making him a symbol of chaos and destruction.
His appearance was fierce and unsettling, featuring a lion-like face, clawed feet, wings, and most notably, a serpent in place of his genitals, giving him the terrifying look of a classic horror figure and the unmistakable aura of a demon.
The truth? For the ancient Mesopotamian folks, the Pazuzu demon was seen more as a protector than a danger.
People believed he could drive away harmful spirits, making him a powerful ally during times of spiritual distress. His image was frequently worn as an amulet or displayed in homes to shield against evil forces. Historian Selena Wisnom explains that Pazuzu was a demon whom exorcists would call upon for help in battling other evil spirits.
The Spiritual and Cultural Significance
You know, it’s almost funny, if it weren’t so sad, how much of our ancient wisdom has been twisted beyond recognition. Take the old Nordic folktales, for instance. Elves weren’t cutesy little Christmas mascots or evil imps hiding in the woods.
They were forest guardians; mysterious, powerful, deeply tied to the land. Sure, they could mess with you if you disrespected nature, but they could also bless you with luck and protection if you showed reverence. Cause and effect. Cosmic justice. But of course, modern interpretations prefer to paint them as either harmless or sinister, but never sacred.
And don’t even get me started on Pazuzu. The poor guy gets branded a demon thanks to horror films, when in truth, he was invoked to protect against darker forces. Fierce, yes. Ugly? Depends on your taste. But evil? No. He was the spiritual bouncer keeping worse things at bay. Funny how people forget that even ancient exorcists called him for help. But heaven forbid a protector looks anything less than angelic.
Oh, and let’s talk about the phallic symbol, the one people now mock or censor without the faintest clue what they meant. In pagan traditions, they weren’t perverse. They were sacred. They symbolized fertility, life, and the divine spark of creation. It was about procreating life. Energy. Balance. But of course, once the moral panic took over, all that sacredness was reduced to shame and sin.
So yes, as a pagan, watching the deep, spiritual, and often beautifully complex symbols of my path be turned into horror tropes and conspiracy theory? It’s exhausting. But we remember. And we honor. Because truth doesn’t disappear just because others can’t or won’t see it.
So, what’s your take on the Labubu origin story and its spiritual context? While being respectful of others’ beliefs, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
Read: Fulfill Your Wishes With Japanese Daruma Dolls
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the different types of Labubu?
Labubu figures come in various forms, including: plush keychains and charms, vinyl figures (ranging from about 3″ to large 31″ editions), seasonal or limited-edition releases such as Exciting Macaron, Have a Seat, and Big Into Energy, and collaborations and exclusives like Coca‑Cola-themed sets, One Piece crossover figures, and region-specific editions.
How many different types of Labubu are there?
As of 2025, Pop Mart has released over 300 unique Labubu variants since 2019, spanning plushes, vinyls, keychains, exclusives, and special collaborations.
Where to buy Labubu?
In the U.S., Labubu figures can be purchased through Pop Mart’s official online store, which offers blind box drops and limited-edition collectibles. Physical Pop Mart locations and vending machines are also available in cities like San Francisco, New York, and Denver, though some items may require pre-orders. Additionally, resale platforms such as eBay, StockX, and Whatnot carry various Labubu editions, often at marked-up prices due to high demand. Shoppers can also find Labubu on Amazon and AliExpress through official storefronts, but it’s important to be cautious of counterfeits.
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