Yamarochi no Yomi – Serpent of the Underworld

The spirits of Uikku’s underworld are kept in check by the gargantuan Great Spirit, Yamarochi no Yomi. Eight heads sit upon the serpentine body of this spirit, each responsible for the Eight Faces of the Dead. Each face is its own personality, separated into the Four Benevolent Faces and the Four Malevolent Faces.

Malevolent Faces:

Kanshō (悟り) – Enlightenment: This head represents the spirits who have achieved a higher understanding of their existence, transcending worldly attachments. They bring enlightenment and wisdom to lost souls.

Anraku (安楽) – Bliss: Representing the spirits who have found eternal peace, this face provides solace and comfort, allowing spirits to find tranquillity in the afterlife.

Kigan (祈願) – Prayer/Wish: This face listens to the prayers and wishes of the spirits, guiding them towards redemption and helping fulfil unachieved desires.

Hōgō (抱擁) – Embrace: Symbolising acceptance and unconditional love, this head embraces the spirits, helping them reconcile with their past and find love in the afterlife.

Malevolent Faces:

Kui (悔い) – Regret: This head embodies the sorrow and regret spirits feel for their actions in life. It serves as a reminder of their misdeeds and the consequences of their choices.

Onnen (怨念) – Resentment: Representing the spirits who hold grudges and can’t let go of their anger, this face stokes the flames of vengeance and resentment.

Mayoi (迷い) – Lost: This face symbolizes the spirits who are lost and can’t find their way in the afterlife, endlessly wandering without purpose or direction.

Kesshō (結晶) – Manifestation: Unlike the other faces which deal with emotions, this face has the power to manifest the negativity and malice of spirits into real, tangible threats like Oni.

It is said that Yamarochi no Yomi uses the positive faces to guide good spirits towards peace and the negative ones to judge and punish the wicked. However, an imbalance has stirred recently caused by unknown forces. This has resulted in the malevolent faces exerting greater power, causing a surge in Oni as the benevolent faces weaken. It is thought that the ending of so many ancestral lines due to the recent wars has caused the spirits to stir and fall into the realms of regret, resentment and become manifested as Oni.