Ethereal Chronicles

The Kappa is a vulgar demon believed to inhabit the rivers and spaces of water across Japan. They target humans in particular for their lifeforce, the mythical organ ‘Shirikodama’, by dragging it through their anus.

APPEARANCE AND ATTRIBUTES

Despite their diminutive size, likely no bigger than a small toddler, Kappas possess unyielding strength. Green-scaled and slimy, these creatures have turtle-like shells on their backs, with a small dish at the top of their heads containing the ‘Sara’; water that is essential for the maintenance of their power and without which they are utterly defenceless. Some tales depict Kappas with beak-like mouths, although this does not hinder their ability to communicate with humans. Remarkably, the arms of a Kappa runs right through its torso, and slides about with fluidity. Kappas are capable of immense strength because of their fascination and skill in Sumo Wrestling, enabling the creatures to yank their prey into the water with ease.

When encountering a human in or near the water, a Kappa may do one of two things. In the safest scenarios, it may exhibit mischievous but harmless behaviour, such as making strange noises, passing loud gas or looking up a woman’s kimono. In other cases, however, the Kappa is a force of malevolence, drowning men in the water, kidnapping children or raping women before obtaining their life forces. Some may even go so far as to consume the flesh of a human, savouring the blood.

In some stories Kappas lurk inside toilets, waiting to sexually assault unsuspecting women.

HOW TO KILL A KAPPA OR DEFEND ONESELF FROM IT

A Kappa is repulsive in nature but relatively easy to deter. As they relish being honoured and respected as Gods, the quickest way to fend one off is by showing politeness, typically through a bow. Pleased by such a gesture, the Kappa will reciprocate the bow, causing the dish atop its head to empty, thereby rendering the demon powerless with no choice but to retreat back into the water.

A Kappa can also be defeated by having its arms pulled from its body, which is relatively straightforward due to the unique anatomy of the creature.

The Kappas are believed to particularly enjoy cucumbers, and if such a food is given in offering to a Kappa or left in its territory then it may prevent a meeting altogether.

Wrestling with a Kappa is another option, albeit the most difficult one. Given their mastery in wrestling, this method is unlikely to be as successful as the others.

GOOD KAPPAS

If befriended or tricked into serving a human, Kappas can prove themselves useful, protecting the mortal and helping them with tasks, particularly fishing.