Oni (鬼) are one of the most well-known and iconic figures in Japanese folklore. These supernatural creatures are often depicted as fearsome demons or ogres with a variety of appearances and roles, ranging from terrifying villains to more neutral or even protective figures. They have played a significant role in Japanese culture, appearing in myths, legends, art, theater, and modern popular culture.
Appearance
- Physical Characteristics:
- Oni are typically depicted as large, muscular humanoids with fearsome features. They often have sharp claws, wild hair, and fangs. Their skin color varies, but they are most commonly shown as red, blue, green, or black.
- Oni usually have one or two horns on their heads, and they are often shown wearing loincloths made of tiger skin, adding to their bestial and wild appearance.
- They are frequently armed with a kanabō, a large, spiked club made of iron, symbolizing their great strength and destructive power.
- Variations in Appearance:
- While Oni are most often portrayed as monstrous and terrifying, their specific appearance can vary widely depending on the region and story. Some Oni may have three eyes, extra limbs, or other unusual features.
- Oni can also appear more human-like in certain stories, especially when they take on a disguise to trick or interact with humans.
Role in Folklore
- Evil Spirits and Punishers:
- Oni are often associated with evil and malevolent forces. In many stories, they are the embodiment of chaos, destruction, and violence. They are depicted as creatures who wreak havoc, destroy villages, and even devour humans.
- In Buddhist traditions, Oni are sometimes considered agents of Hell, where they punish the souls of sinners. In this role, they are responsible for torturing the wicked in the afterlife, often depicted as the enforcers of Enma, the king of the underworld.
- Protective Figures:
- Despite their fearsome reputation, not all Oni are evil. In some stories, Oni act as guardians or protectors. For example, certain temples have statues of Oni to ward off evil spirits, and some rituals invoke the power of Oni for protection from misfortune.
- In the Setsubun festival, people throw roasted soybeans while shouting “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi!” (“Demons out, good fortune in!”) to drive away evil spirits, but in certain regions, Oni are invited inside to guard against bad luck.
- Tricksters and Shape-shifters:
- Oni are sometimes portrayed as tricksters, using their powers to deceive humans. They can change their shape and appearance, disguise themselves as humans, or create illusions to lead people astray.
- In these stories, Oni often use their trickery to cause harm or manipulate people, but occasionally they are outwitted by clever humans.
Famous Oni Legends
- Shuten-dōji:
- Shuten-dōji is one of the most famous Oni in Japanese mythology. According to legend, he was a powerful Oni leader who terrorized the capital city of Kyoto by kidnapping and devouring young women.
- Shuten-dōji was eventually defeated by the warrior Minamoto no Yorimitsu (Raikō) and his companions. Disguising themselves as traveling priests, the warriors infiltrated Shuten-dōji’s lair and tricked him into drinking poisoned sake. After weakening the Oni, they killed him, ending his reign of terror.
- Ibaraki-dōji:
- Ibaraki-dōji was another famous Oni, often depicted as either the servant or lover of Shuten-dōji. According to legend, she attacked the Rashomon gate in Kyoto, but was driven off by the hero Watanabe no Tsuna, one of Yorimitsu’s retainers.
- In one version of the story, Ibaraki-dōji’s arm was severed during the battle, but she later returned to reclaim it by tricking Tsuna into thinking she was his aunt.
- Namahage:
- The Namahage are Oni-like figures from the Akita region of Japan. During the New Year, young men dressed as Namahage go door to door, wielding knives and demanding that children behave properly. While the Namahage are frightening in appearance, they serve as protectors of the community, ensuring that families are well-behaved and prosperous in the coming year.
Symbolism and Interpretation
- Embodiments of Human Vices:
- Oni often represent human flaws and vices, such as greed, anger, jealousy, or hatred. Their monstrous appearance and behavior symbolize what can happen when these emotions are allowed to take over. This moral lesson is central to many stories in which Oni are defeated or punished for their misdeeds.
- Punishment and Justice:
- As agents of punishment, Oni serve as a reminder of the consequences of immoral behavior. In Buddhist depictions of Hell, Oni are the enforcers who ensure that sinners are properly punished. They embody retribution and divine justice, serving to keep the balance between good and evil.
- Ambivalence and Duality:
- Despite their fearsome reputation, Oni also embody the duality of good and evil. In some stories, Oni are fierce protectors or tragic figures who, despite their monstrous nature, are capable of loyalty, kindness, or even redemption. This ambivalence reflects a broader theme in Japanese folklore, where creatures are often capable of both harm and good, depending on the context.
Oni in Modern Culture
- Pop Culture:
- Oni have made their way into modern Japanese pop culture, appearing in anime, manga, video games, and films. They are often depicted as powerful warriors, bosses in video games, or even comical or misunderstood figures. For example, characters like Lum from the anime series “Urusei Yatsura” are based on Oni but are portrayed in a humorous, lighthearted way.
- Festivals and Traditions:
- Oni are featured in several traditional festivals in Japan, particularly during the Setsubun festival, where people drive out evil spirits to bring in good fortune. Oni masks are worn during the event, and in some regions, people dress up as Oni to playfully scare children.
- Representation in Tattoos and Art:
- Oni are popular motifs in Japanese tattoos (irezumi) and art, where they are used to symbolize strength, resilience, and the warding off of evil spirits. Oni masks, in particular, are commonly seen in tattoo designs and have become iconic images representing both danger and protection.
Conclusion
The Oni is a complex figure in Japanese folklore, representing both the destructive power of chaos and the potential for protection. Whether feared as demons or revered as protectors, Oni embody the duality of good and evil, offering both moral lessons and fascinating stories. From ancient legends like Shuten-dōji to modern pop culture, Oni continue to captivate audiences with their fierce appearances, powerful symbolism, and deep roots in Japanese tradition.
Description
An oni (鬼) is a Yōkai from Japanese folklore. The word oni is often translated to “demon” but oni also have a lot in common with trolls or ogres from western folklore and mythology. They are known for their propensity for violence, murder and cannibalism.
Physically they are usually large humanoids. They have very specific faces with very important traditional importance. They are usually depicted with red, blue, black, green, yellow or white skin and tend to wear loincloths often made of tiger pelts.
Depictions can vary wildly but they are usually portrayed as hideous hulking creatures. Sometimes they have one or multiple horns and sometimes multiple eyes.
They usually carry around large spiked clubs called kanabō clubs.
The name “oni” comes from the on’yomi reading of the character (隠) which means “to hide” or “to conceal”. This is due to oni having the tendency of hiding behind things.
Tradition and Culture
In February there is a festival known as Setsubun. During Setsubun you throw roasted soybeans indoors or out of your home and shout “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!”, (“鬼は外！福は内！”, “Oni go out! Blessings come in!”). This is derived from the medieval ritual of tsuina which is a year-end rite to drive away oni and other spirits.
There is also a charm made of holly leaves and dried sardine heads in the Tottori prefecture used to protect against oni.
The oni have long been very popular in Japanese tradition and feature in many well known fairytales such as Momotarō (Peach Boy), Issun-bōshi, and Kobutori Jizan.
