![]() They are said to be seen only occasionally but can be heard. For this reason, they work to protect nature and its balance. Usually understood as the souls of trees, their mythology tells that they inhabit these plants’ interiors. For example, Kodama (木 霊) is one of the most widely known representatives among the spirits of the forest. Elements of nature, fauna, and flora are highlighted and can be understood as magical creatures. Part of Japanese folklore, Youkai can also take different forms and act differently depending on the situation. It is believed that the term was coined to explain mystical or supernatural events what it was often inexplicable, such as natural phenomena and casualties. ![]() Historically, its concept is associated with popular narratives, such as legends and myths, often part of local beliefs in villages and cities across Japan. The Youkai, in Japanese, means any unexplained phenomenon. The first known mention of tree spirits talks about the tree god “Wakunochi-no-kami,” who, according to the book, was born from the gods Izanagi and Izanami.Īnother book from the Heian period, Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji), uses the characters 木 魂, to describe Kodama as a kind of tree elf. It was said that Kodama can also be understood as “mountain gods” and a “tree god” in the scriptures of the old Kojiki (Japan’s Ancient Record Book). In some of the many myths, the Kodama curse is something to be feared. The Kodama curse was something to be feared. It was believed, and it is a common conviction, that if someone cuts down a tree inhabited by a magical spirit unnecessarily without the proper honoring reverence, they can, without knowing, curse their communities. The nature guardiansĭespite being peaceful, the Kodama may react aggressively against anyone who disrespects the environment. The Echoes that reverberate through mountains and valleys, such as a falling tree’s sound, are also considered a Kodama cry. It is believed that Kodama can imitate human voices, thus creating echoes in a forest (the word Kodama can also mean echo). They became humanized, as they take the human form and fall in love with these beings in many stories. In ancient tales, they were portrayed as invisible or were rooted like the trees themselves, not distinguishing themselves in the dense forest.ĭuring the Edo period, Kodama lost his post as a god of the forest, becoming seen as just one of the ubiquitous youkai’s in Japan. They believed that the creatures were not linked to a single tree, but they could move with agility, traveling freely through the forest. In the old days, Kodama was said to be a “Kami” (god), deities of nature that inhabited ancestral trees. Their Kodama’s history has changed over the centuries. Some Legends tell us that most Kodama is peaceful, small, and serene creatures who share their wisdom with those with whom they are able to communicate. ![]() They wander through time visiting ancestral forests, leaving a trail of grass and flowering trees in their path. There is little difference between “木 魂,” “木 魅,” or “木 霊,” all variations of the term “tree spirit.” Another kanji also used for Kodama is “谺,” which means echo.Īccording to the belief, Kodama is considered mythical yōkai or Youkai. In later years the description “木 魂” (木: ko tree – 魂: lady, soul) was used, as well as “木 魅” (木: ko tree – 魅: lady, soul), and ultimately “木 霊” (木: ko tree – 霊: lady, spirit) tends to be the most used. Independent symbols were placed together to approximate the pronunciation of existing Japanese words. In the oldest description, “古 多 万”, the word breaks down into 古 – (ko age) – 多 – (da many) – 万 (ma 10,000).īecause ancient Japanese did not have a writing system when the Chinese writing system was adopted, kanji characters were often selected to identify the sound. Over the centuries, three different kanji have been used in writing for Kodama. It was from a language spoken long before Japan had a written language. Kodama comes from an ancient belief and from a very old word. ![]() Generally, they colonize large and old trees and are therefore an ancient, strong, and powerful spirit. Kodama, the nature guardiansĪ mysterious guardian who inhabits and protects the forests in Japan. (Ministry Earth) The Kodama, or ko-dama, is known as an ancient Youkai (supernatural creatures) of Japanese folklore.
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