Akuma (folklore)

An akuma (悪魔) is an evil spirit in Japanese folklore,^[1][2] sometimes described in English-language sources as a devil or demon.^[2][3] An alternative name for the akuma is ma (ま).^[4] Akuma is the name assigned to Satan in Japanese Christianity, and the Mara in Japanese Buddhism.

Mythology

The earliest uses of the word akuma are mainly found in Buddhist texts, but it also appears in literary works, especially those written during the Heian period (794–1185 AD).^[5] Later, following the introduction of Christianity to Japan, akuma became the customary way of translating the English word Satan.^[5]

An akuma is typically depicted as an entity with a fiery head and flaming eyes, and carrying a sword. It is said to be to be a harbinger of misfortune to those who see it.^[4]

There have been attestations of people traditionally associating mental illness with the presence of akuma.^[6]

References

1. Ashkenazi, Michael (2003). Handbook of Japanese Mythology. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO. p. 311. ISBN 1-57607-467-6.
2. Bane, Theresa (2016). Encyclopedia of Spirits and Ghosts in World Mythology. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. p. 19. ISBN 978-1-4766-6355-5.
3. Brinkley, Frank (1896). An Unabridged Japanese-English Dictionary. Sanseidō. p. 22.
4. Jones, Alison (1995). Larousse Dictionary of World Folklore. Larousse. p. 12. ISBN 0-7523-00-43-1.
5. Link, Luther (1995). Devil: A Mask Without a Face. London: Reaktion Books. p. 188. ISBN 0-948462-67-1.
6. Michele R. Davidson (2012). A Nurse's Guide to Women's Mental Health. New York: Springer Publishing Company, LLC. p. 34. ISBN 978-0-8261-7113-9.