Name Meaning
Shiryō (死霊) means "spirit of the dead" in Japanese. These are souls of those who have passed away, but remain bound to the world of the living.
- Shi (死) = Death
- Ryō (霊) = Spirit or ghost
Origin
- Derived from ancient Buddhist and Shinto beliefs about the afterlife and spirits.
- Often connected with grief, attachment, or improper burial rituals.
- Common in classical ghost stories and Edo-period literature.
Appearance
- Often depicted as pale or transparent figures.
- Sometimes missing legs, floating with trailing garments.
- Eyes may be blank or full of sorrow or wrath.
Behavior & Myths
- May haunt a location or person connected to their life or death.
- Can seek closure, deliver a message, or act out of vengeance.
- Rituals and prayers may help appease or guide them.
Symbolism
- Symbolize regret, unresolved emotions, or injustice in death.
- Represent the fragile boundary between life and the spirit world.
- Act as cautionary figures in tales about karma and remembrance.
