Name Meaning
Shikome (醜女) literally means "ugly woman" in Japanese, and refers to a class of terrifying female spirits or hags from the underworld.
- Shiko (醜) = ugly
- Me (女) = woman
Origin
- Appears in the Kojiki, one of Japan’s oldest mythological texts.
- Sent by Izanami from Yomi (the land of the dead) to pursue her husband Izanagi.
- Symbolize death and vengeance from the underworld.
Appearance
- Described as hideous, with rotting flesh, sagging skin, and wild hair.
- May resemble monstrous old women or demonic hags.
- Embody the concept of spiritual corruption and decay.
Behavior & Myths
- Relentlessly chased Izanagi through the underworld after he betrayed Izanami.
- Serve as agents of vengeance and guardians of Yomi.
- Associated with fearsome death spirits in other myths and adaptations.
Symbolism
- Represent the wrath of the dead and the inevitability of decay.
- Symbolic of broken bonds and retribution beyond death.
- Appear in myth to challenge or test the living.
