Oni, written in kanji as 鬼, is read in China as guǐ (pinyin), meaning something invisible, formless, or unworldly, in other words, a 'ghost' or the 'soul of the dead'.

In Japanese folklore, an Oni (鬼) is a kind of demonic ogre or troll, and can be seen as a type of Yokai. They are usually portrayed as hulking figures with horns on their heads, sharp claws and tusks, an odd skin tone such as red, green, or blue, and carrying large iron clubs.

In the old days of Japan, before the spirits were well-cataloged, oni could refer to almost any supernatural creature—ghosts, obscure gods, large or scary yōkai, even particularly vicious and brutal humans. As the centuries shaped the Japanese language, the definitions we know for the various kinds of monsters gradually came into being.

The Oni are figures in Japanese mythology and folklore most similar to demonic spirits. Depending on the story, they can be described as a demon, an ogre or a troll. Although they are most like these figures from European folklore, they aren’t exactly synonymous.

Apr 11, 2023 · In Japanese folklore, Oni (鬼) are a type of supernatural demon or ogre, often depicted as horned, red-skinned, and fierce-looking creatures. These yokai have played a significant role in Japanese culture, art, and storytelling for centuries, and are still very much a part of modern-day Japanese popular culture.

Jul 24, 2023 · In folklore, oni are often characterized as malicious troublemakers, capable of terrible deeds like spreading disease and attacking humans. They’re also known to emerge from the abyss of hell itself — or Jigoku in Japanese Buddhism — to frighten mortals, or torment evildoers who are sent there.

The Chinese character for oni essentially means “a ghost,” or “a formless spirit.” The Japanese word oni, though, refers to corporeal beings but ones that are hard if not impossible to perceive, since their name is reportedly a corruption of “ on ” and “ onu ,” meaning “to hide.”

Oct 14, 2024 · Throughout history, Oni have transitioned from being fearsome creatures associated with malevolence to becoming protective spirits that serve as guardians against evil and misfortune. This article explores the evolution of Oni in Japanese culture, tracing their historical origins, characteristics, and their transformation in modern society.

Dec 6, 2024 · Oni, often translated as “demons” or “ogres,” are formidable creatures in Japanese mythology. These beings are characterized by their grotesque appearance, often depicted with horns, sharp claws, and wild hair. Oni are known for their strength and ferocity, yet they also embody complex themes that reflect the human experience.

Oct 8, 2024 · The tales of Oni offer profound psychological and moral lessons: A. Oni as Representations of Human Fears and Flaws. Oni often symbolize humanity’s inner fears, flaws, and dark desires, serving as a mirror reflecting our nature. B. The Duality of Oni: Evil vs. Protective Forces