kodama

Kodama (木霊) are spirits from Japanese folklore believed to inhabit trees and forests. The term literally means "tree spirit" or "echo," reflecting the belief that a tree or grove houses a life force. In Shinto-tinged animism, kodama are often regarded as guardians or souls of nature rather than independent deities, and their presence is associated with the health of the forest.

In traditional lore, each tree or grove may host its own kodama. They are typically invisible to most people, and signs of their presence are often described as a clear echo, a whistling sound, or a feeling of being watched within a quiet forest. It is sometimes said that harming the tree or disturbing the grove invites misfortune or calamity, while a healthy forest is believed to be accompanied by detectable kodama activity or benevolent, shy manifestations.

In modern culture, kodama are frequently depicted as small, ethereal forest spirits. A well-known representation appears in Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke, where kodama are white, childlike forest beings that symbolize the forest’s vitality and are shown as friendly and harmless.

The concept has influenced various works of fiction and video games, where kodama are used as symbolic forest spirits or as collectible or narrative elements. Beyond specific portrayals, the term remains a cultural reference to nature spirits tied to trees, forests, and ecological balance in Japan.