The dreaded king of the oni, shuten doji, is one of them. Oni, ubiquitous supernatural figures in japanese literature, lore, art, and religion, usually. When it comes to the creatures of japanese mythology, everyone knows the strange and absurd monsters, from the kappa to the kasaobake. Japanese mythology refers to any number of stories involving kami deities or spirits, oni ogres, andor youkai feylike creatures.
What are some good books i can get on japanese mythology. Japanese mythology by piggott juliet abebooks passion for books. This video covers the story of two of the most evilest yokai in japanese mythology shuten doji and tamamo no mae. Jan, 2020 im no expert on japanese culture and so i was so, so happy to be immersed totally into a book where even basic actions like walking into a house are different from america. Among some of the events supposedly predicted by kudan are the russo japanese war and the pacific war.
Learning about japanese history and culture is also a great idea for those studying the language. Manga commonly include ideas based on the creation myth, featuring amaterasu, susanoo, izanagi and izanami. Japanese mythology a to z, second edition is a valuable, colorful reference for anyone with an interest in mythology or japanese culture. This video covers the story of two of the most evilest yokai in japanese mythology shutendoji and tamamo no mae. Handbook of japanese mythology handbooks of world mythology englisch taschenbuch 11.
John wick comic near mint john wick comics rare variant comic books and virgin variant art covers keanu reeves dynamite. Every book ive seen on their mythology either has only one star on barnes and noble, or only 32 pages, which cant possibly teach me anything. Free kindle book and epub digitized and proofread by project gutenberg. Discusses the mythology of japan, its origins in shintoism and buddhism, and the gods, spirits, men, and animals that appear in the many legends and stories. This is a list of demons that appear in religion, theology, demonology, mythology, and folklore. Ibarakidoji kijoonibaba kidomaru rashomon no oni shuten doji. I had a great time reading it, and i cant wait to share my full thoughts. Leaving this baby to be raised in safety, the demon leaves, not to return for 15 years. Japanese mythology has its fair share of weird monsters, and theyve quickly become quite wellknown worldwide. Finally, a band of heroes led by the legendary warrior minamoto no yorimitsu assaulted shuten dojis palace, and with the help of some magical poison, were able to assault the oni band during a bout of heavy drinking. In a world thought to have been createdand nearly destroyedby the primordial gods izanagi and izanami, mythic heroes battled ferocious dragons and giant spiders, while ordinary bamboo cutters and farmers made unexpected contact with the supernatural. There are three monsters who are considered the greatest and most evil yokai in all of japanese folklore.
The classic stories of mythology have been repeatedly mined for inspiration and reinterpreted for modern times, and have been an ongoing trend in young adult literature. Mysterious creatures of japanese folklore first edition. Shuten doji would turn into a wicked red demon when served sake. A tale from chinese opera, retold by aaron shepard ancient tales and folklore of china, by edward t. Maetani is japaneseamerican, and theres an author note at the beginning explaining just how thoroughly this book was researched. The demon of rashomon ibarakidoji this story has the potential to go off on so many interesting tangents that i have to be careful how i tell it this summer i visited the kyoto history museum, which puts a lot of this legend into a very tangible perspective, making it all the more interesting because of the connections. Thank you, so, so much harperteen for providing me with an earc through. The kaibutsu ehon illustrated book of monsters features woodblock.
The book reveals the origins of japans myths in the very different realms of buddhism, shinto, and folklore, and explores related mythologies of the ainu and. You may have heard of the three views of japan matsushima, amanohashidate, and itsukushima, the three great gardens of japan kenrokuen, korakuen, and kairakuen, or the three sacred mountains of japan mount fuji, mount haku, and. Aug 24, 2017 the classic stories of mythology have been repeatedly mined for inspiration and reinterpreted for modern times, and have been an ongoing trend in young adult literature. Only nigihayahi furu has the name of amateru among japanese deities. Theres a bewildering array of books out there on greek mythology, especially at the beginner level. Japanese mythology by juliet piggott and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at. This, combined with the spiritual traditions of shinto with its vast pantheon of gods and demons, plus. Oni the traditional japanese demon the story of shuten. Buy a cheap copy of japanese mythology book by juliet piggott. The book is also called the nihongi, japanese chronicles. By purchasing books through this website, you support our nonprofit organization. What are the best books in english about japanese mythology. Because numerous lists of legendary creatures concern mythology, folklore, and folk fairy.
Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Different people find greek mythology to be meaningful for different reasons. The mythology of japan has a long history dating back more than 2,000 years. Fantasy, magical realism, mythic fiction, historic fiction, or general fiction based in japanese mythology. Shinto and buddhist traditions are the cornerstones of japanese mythology. An introductory guide to the mythology of japanone of the most pervasive yet least understood facets of japanese culture.
Oni, ubiquitous supernatural figures in japanese literature, lore, art, and religion, usually appear as demons or ogres. It is not a list of names of demons, although some are listed by more than one name. A demon from a different space and time comes to earth carrying cargo. Kudan sightings continued through the end of the edo period until after world war 2.
It can only be seen at night in large cities, hopping like a rabbit and searching for human souls to steal. Which ones are most deserving of your hardearned money. The history of thousands of years of contact with china, korea, ainu, and okinawan myths are also key influences in japanese mythology. Oni from ancient times to the present noriko reider on. As a dark and twisted cult begins preying on jiro and his family, his true identity and destiny unfolds, for he is. It is clearly described that nigihayahi was ruling yamato ancient name of the capital and the center of japan before conquest war of emperor jinmu in the two oldest official history books of japan, kojiki 712 or nihon shoki 720. While it doesnt look that different from a normal pig, it s unable to cast a shadow, and has glowing red eyes and only one ear. This is why in japanese the twilight hour is called omagatoki. Oni, ubiquitous supernatural figures in japanese literature, lore, art.
The drama of myths are particularly wellsuited to provide the scaffolding for teenage stories, whether focused coming of age or romance and adventure. Shinto, an indigenous religion, and buddhism, which developed in india and came to japan from china and korea. Japanese mythology is a collection of traditional stories, folktales, and beliefs that emerged in the islands of the japanese archipelago. Japanese mythology, body of stories compiled from oral traditions concerning the legends, gods, ceremonies, customs, practices, and historical accounts of the japanese people. It is more elaborate and detailed than the kojiki, the oldest, and has proven to be an important tool for historians and archaeologists as it includes the most complete extant historical. A representative sampling of japanese folklore would definitely include the. Soga shohaku, blue oni, detail from a hanging scroll depicting the sessen doji story. The book of the hakutaku, the third volume in my yokai encyclopedia series, is now. The kojiki and nihon shoki, historical records containing the first detailed accounts of japanese folklore, act as the sources for many famous tales of heroes and legendary beasts.
Mar 11, 2008 buy handbook of japanese mythology handbooks of world mythology by michael ashkenazi isbn. In japanese mythology, the nuppeppo is a yokai depicted as a flabby blob of flesh with an indistinct face. Ibuki, where in literature like the nihon shoki, in the legend of the defeat of the giant snake yamata no orochi to susanoo in a battle, it fled from izumo to omi, had a child with a wealthy persons daughter, with that child was shutendoji. Retellings of classic stories and folklore are easy to find no matter what genre you love to read, and the possibilities are endless. One book that makes this reference is an illustrated book on swords by comicbook artist kurogane hiroshi ja who has frequently created work. They are generally considered to be foreign in origin, perhaps introduced into japan from china along with buddhism.
Feb 02, 2016 i really want to know more about japanese mythology, but i dont know where to look. Japanese mythology japanese folklore japanese art mythological creatures fantasy creatures mythical creatures world mythology religion japanese tattoo designs. Its been a while since we last took a look a japanese folklore, so today we explore the origins of one of the most iconic demons in japanese folklore, the oni. Jan 02, 2018 its been a while since we last took a look a japanese folklore, so today we explore the origins of one of the most iconic demons in japanese folklore, the oni. Readers of japanese mythology will learn the history of myths, as well as their deeper meaning.
The book can be purchased here, and do support matthews yokai. A captivating guide to japanese folklore, myths, fairy tales, yokai, heroes and heroines explore captivating myths of japanese deities, yokai, heroes and heroines the study of mythology and folklore is a peculiar one to the ext. This encyclopedia contains over 125 illustrated entries detailing the monsters of japanese folklore and the myths and magic surrounding them. It is clearly described that nigihayahi was ruling yamato ancient name of the capital and the center of japan before conquest war of emperor jinmu in the two oldest official history books of. A superhero tale of china, retold from the journey to the west by aaron shepard lady white snake. Before he became a legendary monster, shuten doji was a. Naturally, modern japanese anime, manga, video games, etc. Mar 09, 2020 do you have a fascination with old japanese myths and legends. Enemies of the japanese empire in and out of the imperial army.
Whether youre obsessed with greek myths or intrigued by japanese folklore, this list is sure to have a title or two that can offer a great introduction to these beloved stories across the world. This book illustration from 1737 is reproduced in kaibyo. The japanese culture and arts have been strongly influenced by a widespread belief in ghosts, demons and supernatural spirits. How to say mythology in japanese whats the japanese word for mythology. Michael ashkenazis handbook of japanese mythology is an expert study that deserves a prominent place on the shelves of many japanophiles, including those devoted to religious studies and such early sources as the kojiki and nihongi, as well as those who more broadly study the roots of world myth. My exposure to japanese mythology and folklore actually began when i was in grade school. The list of fictional demons includes those from literary fiction with theological aspirations, such as dantes inferno. The mythical creatures of japan are an effective part of japanese mythology. Handbook of japanese mythology by michael ashkenazi. The spirit of the wine shuten doji by tamamura hokuto japanese mythology. An archive of our own, a project of the organization for transformative works. I really want to know more about japanese mythology, but i dont know where to look. Minamoto yorimitsu and the monster shutendoji, 1829 by katsukawa shuntei see more.
A new exhibition looks at a legend that has gripped the japanese imagination. Cruel and malicious, they can, nevertheless, be converted to. Click here to get the japanese mythology book displayed in the video. Japanese folktales are an important cultural aspect of japan. May 23, 2014 free kindle book and epub digitized and proofread by project gutenberg. Shuten doji and his gang rampaged through kyoto, capturing noble virgins, drinking their blood and eating their organs raw. Buy handbook of japanese mythology handbooks of world mythology by michael ashkenazi isbn.
Score a books total score is based on multiple factors, including the number of people who have voted for it and how highly those voters ranked the book. Japanese mythology is full of epic tales of adventure along with deep reflections on life. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. Susanoo, becoming conceited over his success, began to play the role of a trickster.
There are few monsters who are considered among the greatest and most evil yokai in all of japanese folklore. Sometimes just for fun, nurarihyon is thrown in there to make it the four most powerful yokai in all of japan. Among some of the events supposedly predicted by kudan are the russojapanese war and the pacific war. The book reveals the origins of japans myths in the very different realms of buddhism, shinto, and folklore, and. Shutendoji, according to one legend, was born at ganbara, echigo. Jorogumo is a type of yokai, a creature, ghost or goblin of japanese folklore. Oni, in japanese folklore, a type of demonic creature often of giant size, great strength, and fearful appearance. Handbook of japanese mythology makes it easy to travel this vast yet littleknown mythological landscape. Handbook of japanese mythology handbooks of world mythology author. Shadow of the fox by julie kagawa, red winter by annette marie, flame in the mist by renee ahdieh, kinslayer by jay. Yokai is a common word in japanese mythology studies as it means monsters.
From the ruler of the heavens amaterasu to ryujin, the dragonking of the sea, this book helps kids understand the myths that shape and direct peoples lives. This creation myth, or story about the creation of the world, became central to the shinto religion. Noriko reiderys book is the first in english devoted to oni. This list last updated in april of 2019 was written with the intention of helping you make that decision. Nov 02, 2018 check out all books by captivating history here. The 10 best greek mythology books norse mythology for. Shutendoji is a mythical oni or demon leader of japan, who according to legend was killed by. Japanese mythology ebook by jim ollhoff nook book ebook.
The 10 best greek mythology books norse mythology for smart. Raijin by stevendonegani on deviantart god art, japanese. Jan 10, 2014 explore othgens board japanese mythology, followed by 150. Because of their uncanny ability to predict the future, the word of a kudan was viewed as absolute truth. The book reveals the origins of japans myths in the very different realms of buddhism, shinto, and folklore, and explores related mythologies of the ainu and okinawan cultures and recent myths arising from japans encounters with modernization. Once writing was introduced in japan, those oral traditions were recorded in the kojiki book of ancient things, and the nihongi chronicles of japan, compiled in the eighth century. These creatures were either created by people in japan or passed down from traditional folk tales and culture. Handbook of japanese mythology handbooks of world mythology. Although decapitated, the demons detached head still took a bite at the hero, who avoided death by wearing multiple helmets stacked on his head.
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