Kasha
The Kasha, a creature from Japanese mythology, takes on the form of a fiery, demonic cat that snatches away the corpses of the sinful. Its role in carrying off the deceased to the afterlife makes it a feared figure, embodying the themes of judgement and retribution.
At a glance
- Tradition
- Japanese folklore
- Trait family
- The False Guides
- Symbols
- Fire
Near this figure
Symbols
Judged against the description by a model. Meanings are our own paraphrase.
- Fire bears image-domain Fire denotes the primary element that quickens and destroys alike, the sun's heat and lightning's stroke, and burns as zeal, passion and the tended hearth.
why
Its approach is marked by an ominous rattling sound, often accompanied by a surge of spectral fire that illuminates the night sky.
Traits
Read from the figure's description, which a model wrote. Open "why" for the sentence a trait came from.
Behaviour
- Psychopomp claims corpses of the sinful
why
In its role as a psychopomp, the Kasha is tasked with forcibly transporting the souls of the wicked to the underworld.
- Emerges at night to attack
why
This supernatural creature is believed to emerge during the darkest hours of night, specifically targeting the corpses of individuals who led sinful or morally questionable lives.
Sight and sound
- Body wreathed in flames
why
The Kasha, a formidable entity in Japanese folklore, manifests as a feline demon wreathed in ethereal flames.
- Rattling sound precedes supernatural approach
why
Its approach is marked by an ominous rattling sound, often accompanied by a surge of spectral fire that illuminates the night sky.
Omens
- Portent of disaster
why
This creature's presence at a funeral is considered an ill omen, signifying that the departed soul was deemed unworthy of a peaceful transition to the afterlife.
Utility powers
- Moral perception
why
This supernatural creature is believed to emerge during the darkest hours of night, specifically targeting the corpses of individuals who led sinful or morally questionable lives.
Roles
Judged from the works' own entries, not from the description. Carries: the figure holds the role. Meets: the role is in its stories, held by something it meets.
- Death carries both readings
1 citation
- Toriyama Sekien, translated by Hiroko Yoda and Matt Alt, Japandemonium Illustrated, s.v. "Kasha."
- Shadow carries both readings
1 citation
- Toriyama Sekien, translated by Hiroko Yoda and Matt Alt, Japandemonium Illustrated, s.v. "Kasha."
- Hero meets
1 citation
- Toriyama Sekien, translated by Hiroko Yoda and Matt Alt, Japandemonium Illustrated, s.v. "Kasha."