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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
[edit]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
[edit]- ^ Ashkenazi, Michael (2003). Handbook of Japanese Mythology. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO. p. 311. ISBN 1-57607-467-6.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ Brinkley, Frank (1896). An Unabridged Japanese-English Dictionary. Sanseidō. p. 22.
- ^ a b Jones, Alison (1995). Larousse Dictionary of World Folklore. Larousse. p. 12. ISBN 0-7523-00-43-1.
- ^ a b Link, Luther (1995). Devil: A Mask Without a Face. London: Reaktion Books. p. 188. ISBN 0-948462-67-1.
- ^ 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.
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