things that go bump in the night

[pm215]

I recently stumbled upon an online database of traditional Japanese monsters. As well as the usual suspects (kitsune, tengu, tanuki) there are a lot of random odd ones; for instance:

• Suppon-no-yūrei, a ghost that haunts those who overindulge in eating turtle meat
• Nurarihyon, a spirit which doesn't so much haunt as nonchalantly walk into your house and smoke your tobacco and drink your tea
• Basan, a giant chicken that stalks the streets at night making rustling noises

Comments

[bateleur.livejournal.com]

Nurarihyon is a great concept for a monster. I particularly like the way it gets "mistaken for the master of the house" even though it has a misshapen, green head!

[onebyone.livejournal.com]

Great concept for a monster, but possibly the worst excuse ever heard for sneaking out for for a crafty fag and a drink when you're supposed to be doing something useful.

[pm215]

Haha, good point.