ríku

Ríku is a fictional character from the Japanese manga series "Mushishi" by Yuki Urushibara. Ríku is a type of Mushi, which are primordial life forms that exist in a state between the living and the non-living. Mushi are not inherently good or evil, but their interactions with humans can cause strange phenomena or illnesses. Ríku is specifically a Mushi that influences memories and dreams. When a person is affected by Ríku, they may experience vivid dreams or find their memories becoming distorted or intermingled with those of others. These effects are usually not harmful in the long term but can be disorienting and unsettling. The protagonist of "Mushishi," Ginko, is a Mushi Master who travels the land studying Mushi and helping people afflicted by them. Ginko encounters Ríku in several storylines, where he works to understand the Mushi's nature and find ways to alleviate the symptoms in those affected. The narrative surrounding Ríku often explores themes of memory, identity, and the subtle ways in which the natural world can impact human consciousness. Unlike some Mushi that cause more severe physical ailments, Ríku's influence is primarily psychological, blurring the lines of individual experience and perception.