Name Meaning
Nurarihyon (ぬらりひょん) has no clear kanji representation, and its name implies something that is slippery, elusive, and difficult to grasp.
- “Nura” = slippery or elusive
- “Hyon” = a whimsical or odd-sounding suffix
Origin
- Appears in Edo-period yokai picture scrolls and oral tradition.
- Primarily found in stories from the Kansai region.
- Later popularized in manga and anime as a yokai leader figure.
Appearance
- Appears as an old man with a gourd-shaped head and luxurious robes.
- Often carries himself with the air of nobility or leadership.
- In modern depictions, portrayed as dignified and mysterious.
Behavior & Myths
- Enters homes of busy households and behaves like the head of the family.
- Known for drinking tea or relaxing as if he were invited.
- Not malevolent, but unnerving due to his presumptive demeanor.
Symbolism
- Represents the intrusion of the unfamiliar into daily life.
- Embodies the subtle mischief of unseen forces.
- Also used in tales to explain uninvited guests or strange happenings.
