4.29.2014
A-Z Challenge, Y is for Yokai
Today we travel into the realm of Japanese folk lore. Yokai are "phantoms" that often take the form of animals or humans. It is said that they can occasionally bring good fortune to those who encounter them, however, they are also known to be mischievous. I think it is a very interesting concept. It reminds me of shape shifters that have shown up in a lot of recent YA paranormals.
Have you run into any mischievous phantoms lately and if so, did they bring you any good luck?
Bonnie Rae
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I know very little about Japanese myths - something I'm trying to correct. So many fascinating creatures still to explore!
ReplyDeleteI love folklore, but don't think I've ever heard of the yokai before. I'm gonna have to read up on them; they sound fascinating!
ReplyDeleteThese guys sound quite whimsical or tricky.
ReplyDeleteI could use one with some good fortune.
ReplyDeleteA phantom that can bring good luck and also be mischievous? That is interesting!
ReplyDeleteThe yokai sound very interesting, especially since they sometimes bring good luck.
ReplyDeleteJapanese folk lore has a lot of interesting creatures. Lots to get inspiration from.
ReplyDelete~Patricia Lynne~
Story Dam
Patricia Lynne, YA Author
I can see how they would be inspirational- the idea of them almost writes itself.
ReplyDeleteMy cats are the only shape-shifters in my life at the moment, and they are definitely mischievious. And black, so the question of luck is moot.
ReplyDeleteWhat little I have read of Japanese folk lore is fascinating. For some reason fox spirits have always chilled my soul...
The Yokai sound like fun! I wish I met one. If you know any way to attract them, let me know!
ReplyDeletewell they sound like fun spirits in some ways. I have actually experienced some strange things in my home maybe it's them
ReplyDeleteHa! My first thought when I saw this was Sesshomaru from the anime Inuyasha. For those who don't know, he is an inu yokai or dog demon. Squee! Fangirling right now!
ReplyDeleteLove this post!
Yokai sound spooky!
ReplyDeleteYokai sound like fun spirits. If they bring good fortune to people who see them, then they cant be scary creatures.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of Yokai before but they sound very interesting.
ReplyDeleteSo they might bring good luck, but they have mischief... do be careful what you wish for, basically?
ReplyDeleteCool post. Thanks for discussing a lesser known creature. :)
Stopping by from the #atozchallenge !
@JLenniDorner
I love folklore from different places (as in places from where I'm not.) These Yokai sound intriguing.
ReplyDeleteTricksters and shapeshifters. Always a challenge to mere mortals.
A book of short stories retelling Japanese and Chinese folk tales is:http://smile.amazon.com/Returning-Sisters-Eastern-Whimsy-Malice-ebook/dp/B006GEPX6U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399161247&sr=8-1&keywords=returning+my+sister%27s+face
Worth the read.