Akuma (folklore)


The akuma is a malevolent fire spirit in Japanese folklore. It is also described as a category of undefined beings who brought afflictions on humans.
Alternative names for the akuma is ma. It is often translated to devil in English, or demon. Akuma is the name assigned to Satan in Japanese Christianity, and the Mara in Japanese Buddhism.

Mythology

Akuma first appeared in Buddhist texts although it became more popular during the Heian period from 794 to 1186 AD. Later, mainstream usage associated the name with the Christian Satan. It is said that, due to the lack of monotheism, there was no opponent of God so akuma became the equivalent of Satan.
An akuma is typically depicted as an entity with a fiery head and eyes, and carrying a sword. The akuma is typically said to be able to fly, and to be a harbinger of ominous and terrible fortune and can bring misfortune to those who happen to see it.
Traditionally, the Japanese describes mental illness as a direct result of the presence of evil spirits, particularly by akuma.

In popular culture