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An oni (鬼 （ おに ）) (/ oʊ n i / OH-nee) is a kind of yōkai, demon, orc, ogre, or troll in Japanese folklore. They are believed to live in caves or deep in the mountains. [ 2 ] Oni are known for their superhuman strength and have been associated with powers like thunder and lightning, [ 2 ] along with their evil nature manifesting in ...
- What Are The Oni?
- What Are Yōkai?
- The Legend of Shuten-dōji
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Oni are figures in Japanese mythology and folklore most similar to demonic spirits. Depending on the story, they can be described as a demon, an ogre or a troll. Although they are most like these figures from European folklore, they aren’t exactly synonymous. Oni are typically portrayed as negative figures within folklore. They are known to tor...
Yōkai is a word that combines two Kanji symbols meaning ‘attractive,’ and ‘apparition.’ This is a great way to describe them, for they are spirits that are anything from mischievous to evil. However, these spirits can also be positive forces within stories, and often walk the line between good and evil. Oni are considered to be Yōkai, however, they...
One of the most infamous Oni comes from the Legend of Shuten-dōji. This character is considered the King of the Oni. It’s an old story and there are a lot of different versions, but Shuten-dōji is generally considered to have once been a normal man. His story goes like this: Shuten-dōji was an unusually intelligent and capable boy, after being shun...
So to conclude, the Oni are closest to demons in other parts of the world. They are terrible figures who terrorize Japanese folklore and are generally considered to be evil. The legend of Shuten-dōji is a story that explains the life and eventual downfall of one of the most notorious Oni, but they also commonly appear in other traditional stories. ...
How Can A Person Become An Oni?
In Japanese folklore, any person has the potential to become an oni, however, this only happens in scenarios of great distress or dishonor. If you follow some of the most common Shintomyths, the part of a person’s soul known as ‘aramitama’ can transform into an Oni if that person has been terribly wronged or insulted.
Why Do People Wear Oni Masks?
Over the years, Oni masks have been used in Japanese culture to represent a lot of different things. They are used in theatre, in religious ceremonies (usually to help dissuade any demons that might be lurking) and in the modern day, they are used as a cool costume for a variety of different occasions. For the most part, people now consider Oni to be symbolic creatures, so there is a lot less superstition about wearing clothing usually attributed to them.
Jul 24, 2023 · Although oni are often likened to their counterparts in Western culture — demons and ogres, namely — their complexity doesn’t really allow for a direct, 1-to-1 comparison. Primarily, oni are shown as evil and fierce creatures, with a well-known appetite for murder and cannibalism.
- Alex Orlando
Oni, in Japanese folklore, a type of demonic creature often of giant size, great strength, and fearful appearance. They are generally considered to be foreign in origin, perhaps introduced into Japan from China along with Buddhism.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Oct 8, 2024 · The term “Oni” refers to a class of supernatural beings found in Japanese folklore, often depicted as ogre-like demons. These creatures embody a complex amalgamation of fear, mischief, and cultural symbolism, serving as both antagonists and protectors in various stories.
Sep 11, 2024 · The Oni are one of the most recognizable figures in Japanese culture, often depicted as fearsome demons or ogres. In Japanese, the term “Oni” (鬼) refers to a variety of supernatural creatures that embody both malicious and protective qualities.
Translation: ogre, demon. Habitat: Hell; remote mountains, caves, islands, abandoned fortresses. Diet: omnivorous; especially livestock, humans, and alcohol. Appearance: Oni are one the greatest icons of Japanese folklore.
