Jigokudayu, in Japanese mythology, is the goddess of death, mistress of the underworld. Ancient man's fear of the powerful forces of nature was embodied in mythological images of gigantic monsters. Snakes, dragons and demons presented an appearance deeply alien to everything human: scales, claws, wings, a huge mouth, terrible strength, unusual properties, enormous size. Created by the fertile imagination of the ancients, they combined body parts of familiar animals, such as the head of a lion or the tail of a snake. The body, made up of different parts, only emphasized the monstrousness of these disgusting creatures. Many of them were considered inhabitants of the depths of the sea, personifying the hostile power of the water element. The myths that have survived to this day are full of dramatic stories about gods and heroes who fought dragons, giant snakes and evil demons and won a seemingly unequal battle. Having destroyed the monster, the hero restored peace and order on earth, freed waters or protected treasure and kidnapped people. Demons, lower deities or spirits, sent troubles and directed people onto the wrong path. In the engraving by Taisho Yoshitishi, grinning demons hold a mirror to Jigokudayu, the mistress of the underworld, who sees herself reflected in the form of a skeleton - this is her true image.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru