Akkorokamui is a monster that resembles an octopus or giant fish that appears in the legends of the Ainu, the original inhabitants of Japan, though like many creatures of the region it can also be found in nearby countries such as Korea.
Legend[]
Akkorokamui is a gigantic octopus-like monster from Ainu folklore that supposedly lurks in HokkaidÅ's Funka Bay and has reportedly been sighted in various locations, including Taiwan and Korea since the 19th century. John Batchelor records the most notable account of this monster in his book The Ainu and their Folklore when he notes:
- "Three men, it was said, were trying to catch a swordfish, when suddenly a large sea monster with large eyes appeared in front of them and proceeded to attack the boat. The monster was round in shape and emitted a dark fluid that has a very powerful and noxious odor. "
It is said that its enormous body can reach sizes of up to 120 meters in length. The Akkorokamui coloration is said to be a striking red, often described as bright and sometimes compared to the color of the reflection of the setting sun on the water. Due to its coloration and its large size, it is visible from great distances. It is possibly a squid or a giant octopus.
The Ainu reverence of this monster has penetrated Shintoism, which has incorporated Akkorokamui as a minor kami. Self-purification practices for Akkorokamui are often strictly followed. While Akkorokamui is often portrayed as a benevolent kami with powers to heal and bestow knowledge, he is fickle and has the propensity to do harm. Akkorokamui's nature as an octopus means that it is persistent and that it is almost impossible to escape its grasp without permission. Like other Shinto purification rituals, before entering the Akkorokamui shrine, the hands should be cleaned with water, with the exception that the feet should also be cleaned. Akkorokamui enjoys the sea and the offerings that reflect it: fish, crabs, mollusks and others are Akkorokamui's favorites, who give back what they gave. The tribute to Akkorokamui is often for ailments of the limbs or skin, but mental purification and spiritual liberation is particularly important.
Shrines dedicated to Akkorokamui and the associated octopus deity are found throughout Japan. In particular, well-known shrines include one in Kyoto and the island of Hokkaido that pay tribute to Nade Yakushi. These shrines, though named after different entities, stem from and share several characteristics with Akkorokamui, and as such the practices involving healing, renewal, and purification are similar.
Akkorokamui is characteristically described as having the ability to self-amputate, like various species of octopus, and to regenerate limbs. This characteristic is manifested in the Shinto belief that Akkorokamui has healing powers. Consequently, it is believed among followers that giving offerings to Akkorokamui will heal ailments of the body, in particular disfigurements and broken limbs. Nade yakushi is located inside the Takoyakushi-do, a shrine dedicated to Nade yakushi, along Teramachi-dori Street, which means "temple city," in Kyoto. This deity receives visits from miles of people per year who desire healing. In the shrine, Nade yakushi physically manifests as a wooden statue of an octopus. The faithful believe that when an individual's left hand touches the limbs of the statue, the individual's ailments, both mental and physical, are eliminated.
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