Nekomata
The Nekomata is a mythical cat from Japanese folklore, distinguishable by its two tails. With the ability to manipulate the dead and conjure fire, it serves as a symbol of mystery and power, its feline grace belying its supernatural capabilities.
At a glance
- Tradition
- Japanese folklore
- Trait family
- The Firebirds
Near this figure
Traits
Read from the figure's description, which a model wrote. Open "why" for the sentence a trait came from.
Form
- Second tail marks transformation into yokai
why
the Nekomata reveals its true nature as it ages, developing a second tail that marks its transformation into a yokai, or supernatural being.
Behaviour
- Animates corpses to dance
why
With a wave of its twin tails, it can animate corpses, commanding them to dance or perform tasks.
- Transformation triggered by creature age or size
why
This metamorphosis is often accompanied by an increase in size, with some tales describing Nekomata growing to the size of large dogs or even humans.
- Holds grudges across lifetimes
why
The Nekomata's nature is typically depicted as capricious and sometimes malevolent, harboring grudges against those who have mistreated it or other cats.
Offensive powers
- Fire manipulation
why
The creature is also known for its pyrokinetic abilities, conjuring and controlling ghostly flames that can both illuminate the darkness and wreak havoc.
Utility powers
- Resurrection
why
With a wave of its twin tails, it can animate corpses, commanding them to dance or perform tasks.
- Speech
why
It is said to understand human speech and even speak itself, often using this ability to deceive or manipulate humans.
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.
- Shadow carries both readings
3 citations
- Michael Dylan Foster, The Book of Yōkai, s.v. "Nekomata."
- Theresa Bane, Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore, s.v. "Nekomata."
- Toriyama Sekien, translated by Hiroko Yoda and Matt Alt, Japandemonium Illustrated, s.v. "Nekomata."
- Trickster carries both readings
3 citations
- Michael Dylan Foster, The Book of Yōkai, s.v. "Nekomata."
- Theresa Bane, Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore, s.v. "Nekomata."
- Toriyama Sekien, translated by Hiroko Yoda and Matt Alt, Japandemonium Illustrated, s.v. "Nekomata."
- Death meets
3 citations
- Michael Dylan Foster, The Book of Yōkai, s.v. "Nekomata."
- Theresa Bane, Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore, s.v. "Nekomata."
- Toriyama Sekien, translated by Hiroko Yoda and Matt Alt, Japandemonium Illustrated, s.v. "Nekomata."