Entity: GASHADOKURO
Gashadokuro are giant, starving skeleton spirits from Japanese folklore, made up of the bones of people who died from famine or in battle without proper burials.
GASHADOKURO
Etymology
The term 'Gashadokuro' is thought to derive from 'gasha gasha/gachi gachi,' an onomatopoeic representation of the grinding sound made by objects like dry bones, and 'dokuro,' meaning skull.
Definition
Gashadokuro are mythical creatures in modern Japanese mythology, taking the form of a giant skeleton made of the skulls of people who died in battle or from starvation.
Historical Context
Gashadokuro are believed to be the spirits of those who died in battle or from famine without proper burials, seeking revenge or wandering aimlessly.
Cultural Significance
In Japanese folklore, Gashadokuro serve as a warning against neglecting the proper burial rites and respecting the dead.
Related Concepts
Gashadokuro are similar to other yokai (supernatural creatures) in Japanese folklore, such as Onryo (vengeful spirits) and Ubume (ghostly mothers).
See Also
A mythical creature in modern Japanese mythology, the Gashadokuro is a spirit that takes the form of a giant skeleton made of the skulls of people who died in battle or from starvation.