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Oni (鬼) are a major hostile species within Japanese mythology. They are often depicted as fearsome, supernatural creatures with horns, sharp claws, and wild hair. Regarded as demons, ogres, or trolls, they are very popular characters both in traditional stories and in modern works.
Biography[]
Oni are normally depicted as hideous, gigantic humanoids with sharp claws, unkempt hair and two long horns growing from their heads - they can have varied numbers of eyes or extra fingers and toes and have skin of any color imaginable, though red and blue seem to be the most common.
Oni tend to wear tiger-skin loincloths and carry iron clubs, which is where the expression "oni with an iron club" came from (which means to be invincible).
Indeed, Oni were seen as virtually unbeatable, as the only way to really disperse them was with loud noise and celebrations. Even to this day, some villages in Japan perform these rituals to drive oni away.
As well as the ogres of today Oni have been believed by some to be gods, ghosts or other supernatural beings that caused unpleasant things to occur and originally they were said to be invisible to human eyes or formless. In modern times, this ethereal being has been largely forgotten and replaced with the creatures described above.
Mythological Roles[]
- Evil Spirits and Monsters: Oni are frequently portrayed as malevolent beings that cause mischief or harm. They are often depicted as antagonists in folklore and are believed to bring illness, disaster, or misfortune.
- Punishers of the Wicked: In some stories, oni act as enforcers of divine justice. They are thought to punish sinners and wrongdoers in the afterlife, especially those who have committed grave sins.
- Guardians of Hell: Oni are commonly associated with the Buddhist concept of hell, where they serve as guardians or tormentors. They are believed to oversee and torment the souls of the damned in various hellish realms.
- Protectors Against Evil: Despite their fearsome reputation, oni can also play a protective role in some contexts. In certain festivals and traditions, they are seen as protectors against other evil spirits or malevolent forces. For instance, the Setsubun festival involves rituals to drive away oni and ensure good fortune.
- Folklore and Festivals: Oni appear in various Japanese folktales, legends, and festivals. They are featured in stories that emphasize their strength and cunning, and their images are used in cultural celebrations to drive away evil spirits and ensure good luck for the coming year.
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