Name Meaning
Mōryō (魍魎) refers to malevolent spirits that haunt graveyards and mountains, often depicted as corpse-eating demons.
- Mōryō = A term referring to spirits of nature and the dead, later associated with evil spirits in Chinese and Japanese lore
Origin
- Comes from Chinese mythology, where they were forest and mountain spirits.
- Adopted into Japanese folklore as graveyard demons.
- Appear in Heian-period texts and Edo-period kaidan literature.
Appearance
- Described with dark or mottled skin, sharp claws, and long ears.
- Sometimes appear humanoid, other times animalistic.
- Often depicted with hunched backs and glowing eyes.
Behavior & Myths
- Known for digging up graves to feast on corpses.
- Thought to cause illness or madness in those who encounter them.
- Feared by villagers and often warded off with talismans or exorcisms.
Symbolism
- Represents impurity and fear of death.
- Symbol of decay, disease, and the boundary between life and death.
- Often used to teach respect for the dead and proper burial customs.
