Mouryou

Mouryou is a term derived from Japanese folklore, often translated as "evil spirits" or "demonic phantoms." These entities are believed to possess a malevolent nature and can cause misfortune, illness, or even death to humans. Unlike more specific yokai, mouryou represent a broader category of spectral beings whose origins can be varied, sometimes stemming from the lingering negative emotions or unresolved grudges of deceased individuals.

The concept of mouryou is not monolithic, and their manifestations can differ across various regional tales and beliefs. Some stories depict them as vengeful ghosts seeking retribution, while others portray them as more abstract forces of decay and corruption. They are often associated with dark, desolate places, or with objects that have been tainted by tragedy or malice.

In some traditions, warding off mouryou involves specific rituals, talismans, or the intervention of priests or shamans. The fear of mouryou reflects a deep-seated cultural concern with the unseen forces that can disrupt the natural order and impact human lives. The term encapsulates a range of anxieties about the afterlife, the consequences of negative actions, and the ever-present possibility of supernatural interference.