A Guide to Japanese Demonology
Summary
This episode explores Shinto demonology, explaining how Japanese spirituality views demons not as purely evil entities but as manifestations of impurity, imbalance, or angered spirits. The host discusses historical texts like the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, detailing myths such as Izanami’s wrath and the Yamata no Orochi, alongside the evolution of figures like the oni and yokai. It also covers the Heian period’s response to vengeful ghosts (onryo), such as Michizane, and modern practices like Setsubun, illustrating how rituals and appeasement are used to restore harmony between the human and s…
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