Baital is a mythical creature from Indian folklore, often depicted as a vampire or a spirit that inhabits trees, particularly the Banyan tree. It is known for its cunning nature and ability to possess corpses, using them to create fear and confusion. The tales of Baital are primarily found in the ancient text called the Baital Pachisi, which features a series of stories narrated by the creature to a king. In these stories, Baital poses riddles and moral dilemmas to the king, testing his wisdom and intelligence. The king, often Vikramaditya, must solve these puzzles to capture the spirit and fulfill his quest. The narratives blend elements of adventure, morality, and supernatural themes, making them a significant part of Indian storytelling tradition.