In Buddhism, there is the Mara that is concerned with death, the Mrtyu-mara. It is a demon that makes humans want to … See more

Generally, the word "shinigami" does not appear to be used in Japanese classical literature, and there are not many writings about them; however, going into the Edo period, the word 'shinigami' can be seen in Chikamats… See more

In the classical literature of the Edo period, shinigami that would possess humans are mentioned. In the Ehon Hyaku Monogatari from Tenpō 12 (1841), there was a story titled "Shinigami". In this one, however, the shinigami … See more

Shinigami are also spoken about in folk religion after the war. According to the mores of Miyajima, Kumamoto Prefecture, those who go out and return to attend to someone through the night must drink tea or eat a bowl of ric… See more

• Death (personification) - personifications of death
• Psychopomp - any entity that guides the souls of the dead to the afterlife
• Ankou - the equivalent in Celtic mythology… See more