Yokai: Yamata no Orochi
Why I Chose Yamata no Orochi
I chose Yamata no Orochi because it is one of the most famous and fearsome creatures in Japanese mythology. Its story is deeply tied to Japan’s Shinto beliefs, and its impressive and terrifying appearance makes it a central figure in ancient Japanese folklore. Yamata no Orochi stands out due to its connection to gods and legendary heroes, offering a rich narrative to explore.
Characteristics and Background
Yamata no Orochi is described as a massive, eight-headed, eight-tailed serpent with red eyes, as large as eight hills or valleys. Each of its tails and heads could unleash destruction, and its body was so long that it stretched across rivers and mountains. The serpent was covered in moss and cedar trees, further emphasizing its ancient and monstrous nature.
The most famous legend involving Yamata no Orochi is its battle against the Shinto god of storms and sea, Susanoo-no-Mikoto. According to myth, Yamata no Orochi was terrorizing the land and demanding a maiden sacrifice every year. Susanoo, after being exiled from the heavens, encountered a grieving family who had already lost seven daughters to the beast and was about to lose their eighth. In return for marrying their last daughter, Kushinada-hime, Susanoo devised a plan to defeat the serpent. He brewed large quantities of sake (rice wine) and tricked the serpent into drinking it. Once Yamata no Orochi was drunk, Susanoo slew the creature, cutting off all its heads and tails. Inside one of its tails, Susanoo discovered a legendary sword, the Kusanagi, which later became one of Japan’s three Imperial Regalia.
Comparison of Japanese Yokai and Western Monsters
Japanese Yokai like Yamata no Orochi are often deeply intertwined with nature and spiritual beliefs, reflecting Japan’s Shinto and Buddhist influences. Many Yokai represent natural phenomena, spirits, or gods in disguise, giving them a more mystical and ambiguous role in the world. In contrast, Western monsters are often portrayed more as direct antagonists in myths, fairy tales, or literature. Western monsters like vampires, werewolves, and dragons tend to have clearer moral distinctions—often as villains—while Yokai can be both mischievous or malevolent, but also protective or divine.
Additionally, Yokai are often closely tied to the natural world or local regions, representing specific places or cultural beliefs. Western monsters tend to be more universal, serving broader metaphors for human fears or moral lessons. For example, a dragon in European folklore symbolizes chaos or greed, while Yamata no Orochi is tied to rivers and mountains and symbolizes both destruction and the natural order.
Do I Believe in Yokai, Monsters, Ghosts, or Mythical Creatures?
Yes, I do believe in the existence of monsters or supernatural creatures, though not necessarily in the same way that traditional Japanese culture depicts them. Rather than envisioning specific creatures like Yamata no Orochi, I believe that the world is filled with energies, entities, and phenomena that we don’t fully understand. These could manifest as what different cultures interpret as monsters, spirits, or mythical creatures.
In my belief, these beings or forces represent the unknown and the unexplained, and every culture has its own way of symbolizing them. I see them more as manifestations of energies or perhaps even natural phenomena that science hasn’t yet caught up with. So while I don’t believe in Yokai in the traditional sense, I do think there’s something out there—forces that can’t be easily explained. This is why mythical creatures, whether from Japanese or Western lore, continue to resonate with people across the world.
