This project focuses on creating a 3D character design inspired by CHILDREN folklore, The aim was to explore cultural narratives to craft a visually captivating character with a strong back story.
Brief History
Pandubba is a mythical figure deeply embedded in the folklore of Bihar, believed to dwell in the dark depths of water bodies. Legend has it that these spirits are the angry or sorrowful souls of those who drowned. Often seen sitting on rocks near the water, they approach humans, asking for tobacco, cigarettes, or a bidi, before dragging them underwater and burying them in sand.
Appearance
Pandubba is described as a slimy entity with a hybrid physique—part fish, snake, turtle, and human. Its human-animal-like body create a haunting yet intriguing visual.
Drawing heavily from global myths like the Japanese Kappa and Slavic Vodnik, the design took cues from foreign representations of mythical water beings. These references helped develop a universal yet locally rooted aesthetic for Pandubba, giving it an eerie yet relatable quality.
final concept
A unique feature of the concept is the sand-filled tube, often disguised as a playful device to attract children. While it appears as a safety tool to protect from drowning, its sinister purpose is to fill the victim's body with sand, pulling them deeper into the water. This addition adds a chilling layer to the character’s myth, emphasizing its deceptive and haunting nature.
PROCESS
WITH ENVIRONMENT
This 3-week course, guided by Amalendu Kaushik, sharpened my understanding of blending cultural narratives with design, enhancing both my storytelling and technical skills
