#akkorokamui

[ragrfisk]

OCTOber day 19, Akkorokamui!

[cryptid-quest]

Cryptid of the Day: Akkorokamui

Description: Akkorokamui is a giant octopus of Ainu folklore, which supposedly lurks in the Funka Bay in Hokkaido, and has even been seen in Taiwan and Korea since the 19th century. Missionary John Batchelor recounted an encounter that three men had with the beast, claiming that the men caught the octopus while hunting sword fish.

[jumbocracky]

Bakeneko vs Humans

[curiouscorvidcreaturecompendium]

Kraken are….big.

[legend-collection]

Akkorokamui

Akkorokamui is a gigantic octopus-like monster from Ainu folklore, similar to the Nordic Kraken, which supposedly lurks in Uchiura Bay in Hokkaido. It is said that its enormous body can reach sizes of up to 120 metres (390 feet) in length. Its name can be translated as "tentacle-holding kamuy."

According to legend, Akkorokamui was once a gigantic spider named Yaushikep who lived in the mountains nearby a village named Rebunge. One day, Yaushikep ascended down to Rebunge and caused havoc. Fearing for their lives, the villagers prayed to the gods to save them. Their prayers were answered by the sea god Repun Kamuy, who pulled Yaushikep into Uchiura Bay. It is said that Yaushikep turned into a giant octopus who took over the bay as its god and since then, he has been known by the villagers as At-kor-kamuy or Akkorokamui.

Ainu reverence of this monster has permeated into Shinto, which has incorporated Akkorokamui as a minor kami. Self purification practices for Akkorokamui are often strictly followed. While Akkorokamui is often presented as a benevolent kami with powers to heal and bestow knowledge, it is fickle and has the propensity to do harm. Akkorokamui's nature as an octopus means that it is persistent and it is near impossible to escape its grasp without permission.

Akkorokamui enjoys the sea and offerings which reflect this: fish, crab, mollusks, and the like are particular favorites of Akkorokamui, which give back that which it gave. Homage to Akkorokamui is often for ailments of the limbs or skin, but mental purification and spiritual release is particularly important.

Akkorokamui is characteristically described with the ability to self-amputate, like several octopus species, and regenerate limbs. This characteristic manifests in the belief in Shinto that Akkorokamui has healing powers. Consequently, it is believed among followers that giving offerings to Akkorokamui will heal ailments of the body, in particular, disfigurements and broken limbs.

Shrines in dedication to Akkorokamui and associated octopus deities are found throughout Japan.

[briefbestiary]

When they were Yaushikep, they would terrorize the village of Rebunge, however fervent prayer was answered by the sea god Repun Kamuy, who dragged Yaushikep into the sea, transforming the red spider into an octopus. Now, as Atkor Kamuy, they act as the ambivalent god of Uchiura Bay, equal parts protective and merciless, capable of swallowing passing ships and whales with ease.

When Atkor Kamuy appears above the waves, both the sky and the water are coloured red to reflect the scale of the deity's massive manifestation.

[tales-from-the-boneyard]

Akkorokamui

The Akkorokamui, also known as the Ashketanne Mat (long-fingered woman) is a part-human-part-octopus creature from Aino and Shinto folklore. The Akkorokamui is said to lurk in Funka Bay in Hokkaidō, Japan.

~~~ Legend ~~~~

Millennia ago, vengeful spirits cursed Rebunge, a villager of Abuta Toyoura, to see the destruction of his town. They sent a part-spider-part-human creature, called Yaoshikepu , to fulfill the curse. Yaoshikepu ran rampant throughout the town, causing destruction and slaughtering so many that the streets turned with crimson blood. After hearing the townsfolk’s prayers, the sea kami, Repunkamui, transformed Yaoshikepu into an octopus, and cast her into the sea.

After Yaoshikepu was cast into the sea, she grew and grew and grew. Eventually, she began to hunt and consume larger prey, like whales and ships. One day, Akkorokamui swallowed a boat full of fishermen whole. In her stomach, they called for help. Hearing the cries, Repunkamui poisoned Akkorokamui, allowing the fishermen to escape as she cried out in pain. However, Akkorokamui learned to use the venom Repunkamui inflicted on her to attack her prey.

Since then, there have been many recoded sightings of Akkorokamui throughout history.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

1800s sighting - John Batchelor

John Batchelor was on an expedition to Japan in the 1800s and wrote about his encounter with the Akkorokamui in one of his books. He stated that the beast was around 120 meters in length and confirmed the striking colour of the creature, Batchelor likened the red tone of the monsters skin “to the colour of the reflection of the setting sun upon water”. Batchelor’s account also corroborates the idea of Akkorokamui harnessing the poison inflicted upon her, stating that the creature’s lips “emitted a dark guild which has a very powerful and noxious odour”.

So what do u guys think? Is the Akkorokamui real or not? Let me know and have a debate in the comments if u want!

(Also first real post wooooo! It’s a shitty drawing but who gives a fuck :) and to the person who has decided to click on my post, have a great day friend!)

[comparativeoracle]

Akkorokamui. Art by Andrew Rodgers and Christopher Penzel, from the LiL Cryptid Oracle.

~MEDITATION~

Tentacles reach for considered thoughts

Mindfulness, focusing, stable state, soul-searching, introspection, being alone, inner guidance, Isolation, loneliness, withdrawal, self-reflection

Take a moment to reflect and think before moving forward. Quiet your mind so that your inner communications are loud and clear. Build an understanding and connection, let the tentacles of your mind connect threads, and relax. Achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state.

While Akkorokamui is often presented as a benevolent kami (god like spirit) with powers of the mind and to heal and bestow knowledge, it is fickle and has the propensity to harm. Most commonly sighted in the pacific ocean mostly around Japan or the coast line.