Akkorokamui

Gigantic octopus-like monster from Ainu folklore

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Akkorokamui (Japanese: アッコロカムイ, Ainu: At-kor-kamuy) is a gigantic octopus-like monster from Ainu folklore, similar to the Nordic Kraken, which supposedly lurks in Uchiura Bay in Hokkaido.^[1] It is said that its enormous body can reach sizes of up to 120 metres (390 feet) in length.^[2] Its name can be translated as "tentacle-holding kamuy."^[3]

History

According to legend, Akkorokamui was once a gigantic spider named Yaushikep who lived in the mountains nearby a village named Rebunge. One day, Yaushikep descended 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.^[3]

In Shinto

Ainu reverence of this monster has permeated into Shinto,^[4] 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.^{[citation needed]}

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.^{[citation needed]}

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.^[5]

Shrines in dedication to Akkorokamui and associated octopus deities are found throughout Japan.^{[citation needed]}

In popular culture

In the Bob's Burgers episode "Flu-ouise", some of Louise Belcher's toys are revealed to be named after Japanese legendary creatures, including an octopus called Akkoro Kamui. They come to life in a fever dream Louise goes through, with Akkoro Kamui sounding like her mother Linda. They also appear in The Bob's Burgers Movie.

References

^ Masako Morino (1970). Fairy Tales, Hokkaido (in Japanese). Vol. 1. Sanon Publishing. pp. 51–56.
^ Swancer, Brent (28 April 2017). "The Mystery Monster Octopus of Japan's Far North".
^ ^a ^b "Akkorokamui". Yokai.com. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
^ Srinivasan, Amia (7 September 2017). "The Sucker, the Sucker! [Review]". London Review of Books. 39 (17): 23–25. Retrieved 7 December 2022. Alt URL.
^ Crump, Marty (2018). A Year with Nature: an Almanac. Illustrated by Bronwyn McIvor. University of Chicago Press. p. 282. ISBN 978-0-226-44970-8. Retrieved 7 December 2022.