Kodama (spirit)

Toriyama Sekien's illustration of a kodama appearing as an old man.

A kodama (木魂) is a spirit from Japanese folklore, which is believed to live in certain trees (similar to the Dryad of Greek myth).

Cutting down a tree which houses a kodama is thought to bring misfortune, and such trees are often marked with shimenawa rope.

Popular culture

File:Mononoke Kodama.jpg

Kodama in Princess Mononoke.

• Kodama appear in the animated film Princess Mononoke, in which they are portrayed as small, white humanoids with large, rattling heads and mask-like features, similar to bobbleheads.
• Kodama are presented as demons in the Megami Tensei series, and sometimes 'evolve' into Sudama.
• Kodama is the name of an independent professional wrestler who works for CHIKARA Pro.

References

• Mizuki, Shigeru (2003). Mujara 1: Kantō, Hokkaidō, Okinawa-hen (in Japanese). Japan: Soft Garage. p. 51. ISBN 4-86133-004-1.

See also

• Dryad