by Lillian Csernica on April 2, 2018
japanesemythology.wordpress.com
Bakemono are the group of yokai (monsters) in Japanese mythology who are shapeshifters and tricksters. Foremost among them are the mujina (badger), the tanuki (raccoon-dog), and the kitsune (fox spirit). Also holding noteworthy rank among the bakemono is the nekomata, the split-tailed cat who can assume the form of a beautiful woman.
In Putting On Airs (Thirty Days Later), there’s a surprisingly large cat terrorizing the dogs in Dr. Harrington’s neighborhood. With the help of the monks of Kiyomizudera, Madelaine builds a trap meant to catch what she suspects is the real cause of all the trouble.
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In the second story of this pair, Blown Sky High, Constance is in charge of a garden party held in conjunction with the Blue Dragon Festival at Kiyomizudera. The party celebrates the Blue Dragon, an avatar of Kannon, Goddess of Mercy. The party features Madelaine’s origami paper dragons and a wondrous clockwork dragon that adds just the right touch to the party’s symbolic rejoicing.
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That’s so cool, I have a deep-seated love of world mythology.
http://www.jmbeal.com/blog/april-02nd-2018
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Me too! I’ve been reading myths and legends since grade school.
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First I’ve heard of the nekomata!! Meow!
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I’ve always had a soft spot for shapshifters and tricksters 🙂
I though the fox also could turn in a beautiful woman.
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Yes indeed. In Chinese folklore fox spirits hang out in graveyards and can appear as scholars.
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Japanese mythology and folklore are fascinating! I love the being which has a dent on the head with water in it. You can defeat it by bowing politely. It automatically bows back, losing the water it needs…
https://suebursztynski.blogspot.com.au/2018/04/a-to-z-blogging-challenge-2018-d-is-for.html
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Hi, Sue! Ah yes, the kappa. Have you ever read Celestial Dogs?
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