가샤도쿠로

MonsterJapan · East AsiaLegendFear 8/10

Description

가샤도쿠로(일본어: 餓者髑髏 (がしゃどくろ))는 일본의 요괴다. 전사자나 낙오자 등 매장되지 못한 사망자들의 해골과 원념이 모여 거대한 해골의 모습이 된 것이라고 한다. 한밤중에 딱딱거리는 소리를 내며 헤매고 다니다가, 산 자를 발견하면 덤벼들어 꽉 쥐어 으깨 잡아먹는다고 한다. 사실 쇼와 중기에 창작된 요괴로, 민간전승에서 유래된 것이 아니다. 1960년

Origin & Background

The origin of Gashadokuro dates back to the 10th century, appearing in a historical narrative featuring the famous samurai Taira no Masakado. Masakado was ambushed by three cousins over a marriage issue, and in his rage, he burned down their house and killed one uncle. Afterward, Taira no Yoshimasu, who vowed revenge, fought Masakado but was defeated, and later faced Yoshikane again. Masakado ultimately lost and was beheaded, and his daughter, Takiyasha Hime, summoned the first Gashadokuro using the bones of those who died in battle to avenge her father.

The Legend

Gashadokuro is a giant skeletal spirit made up of the skulls of people who died in battle or famine, standing over 10 meters tall. Gashadokuro is said to roam mainly around 2 AM, attacking and devouring humans upon discovery. When this entity approaches, it makes a sound like 'kachi kachi' as its teeth clatter, and it is known to sneak up on humans when preparing to eat them. Because Gashadokuro is composed of the bones of the already deceased, it is believed to possess immortal powers, and it is said that Shinto talismans can ward them off.

In Popular Culture

Gashadokuro was first documented in the mid-20th century. It first appeared in a 1966 article by Morihiro Saito and later in a 1967 work by Shigeru Mizuki. Mizuki's works and Saito's writings were influenced by the ukiyo-e prints of Utagawa Kuniyoshi, contributing to the modern depiction of Gashadokuro. Kuniyoshi's prints were commissioned during the Edo period and depict the scene of Taira no Masakado's daughter summoning the skeletal yokai.

This article is based on the Wikipedia article "Gashadokuro" (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikipedia