Mononoke Episode 1 Notes.pdf

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Mononoke is full of symbolism and cultural references. Rather than inundate the episode itself

with notes, we chose to make a separate file in PDF format. Releases are bundled with spoiler-

sensitive episode notes, followed by a spoilerific compiled edition at the end of each arc. We’re

also operating on the assumption that more than one set of eyes is required to catch all the

nuances, so the notes are open to additions and improvement. We hope to soon have a wiki set

up to provide the most up-to-date version of the notes and group contribution of content, but for

now, please post anything you think should be added to the notes on our forums at

http://mononoke.omgkappa.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=1 .

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This s for those of you who have not seen the Bakeneko arc from the omnibus series, Ayakashi

~japanese classic horror~, from which Mononoke was eventually created due to acclaim and

demand. Although Mononoke re-explains the basic ideas, it also somewhat assumes that most of

its viewers have seen the Bakeneko arc, so here is a non-spoiler primer to the Mononoke universe.

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Kusuri-uri ( 薬売

薬薬売

薬売

り ) - The Apothecary

The Apothecary is a mysterious itinerant figure whose outward purpose for dropping by the

neighborhood is to sell various goods from his seemingly inexhaustible supply of medicines.

However, the true purpose of his visits is to vanquish a mononoke from the world of humans. He

carries a magical demon-slaying sword ( 退魔の剣 ) for this purpose, but its blade can only be

drawn when the mononoke's Form ( 形 ), Truth ( 真 ) and Reason ( 理 ) become known to the

Apothecary.

Mononoke ( モノノ

怪 )

モノノ

In Japanese, the term "mononoke" is currently more or less synonymous with "ayakashi" or

"youkai", the Japanese term for various supernatural entities in folklore and legends. The

Apothecary makes a distinction between "mononoke" and "ayakashi", but the exact nature of the

spin Mononoke will put on these words remains unclear, so we won't go into details here. The

words "ayakashi" and "youkai" have a neutral connotation; such entities are not necessarily good

or evil. In contrast, the word "mononoke" has a relatively sinister connotation and mononoke are

thought to harbor ill will towards humans. For a more comprehensive treatment of the subject

matter, see the article at http://www.japanecho.co.jp/sum/2006/330516.html .

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Note: All information pertaining to revelations in episode 2 have been removed since they may be

considered spoilers—such information would be considered privileged information and not known

by the "average" viewer. These notes are mostly to jumpstart the discussion so that you can enjoy

the speculation. A complete "spoilerific" version will be provided with episode 2 as notes on the

overall arc.

General Background Information:

Zashikiwarashi ( 座敷童子

座敷童子

座敷童子 )

Above depictions are by Mizuki Shigeru, a well-respected manga artist noted for his works

featuring youkai such as Ge Ge Ge no Kitarou.

In traditional lore, they are considered guardian house spirits in the form of small children with red

faces and bobbed hair. They are thought to inhabit old buildings. While mischievous, they are

benevolent and bring good fortune and prosperity. They are not bound to their homes and may

leave if not given appropriate respect and consideration. Houses are said to suffer misfortunes

and go into decline when this happens.

In Mononoke, it seems there is more to zashikiwarashi than just that…

***It is highly recommended that you read the following section AFTER you see the episode.***

Symbols (in approximate order of appearance):

Sarubobo (

猿ぼぼ

ぼぼ )

ぼぼぼ

Shino calls the yellow figurine her protection charm. It is suspiciously similar to a traditional charm

said to ensure a safe pregnancy and childbirth called a sarubobo (left). It's also suspiciously similar

to the yellow zashikiwarashi that appears before Shino after she is led upstairs (right).

"Dharma" Doll ( 達磨

達磨 )

達達磨

We see a strange doll appear unnoticed at Shino’s feet as she enters the inn, and again before

Shino after she is led to the inn’s secret room. Shino calls the doll a Dharma doll, but is it really

one? Why does it show up when the yellow zashikiwarashi does?

Dharma dolls are hollow papier-mâché figurines used to make a wish, usually a specific goal such

as success in elections. They lack eyes until their owner fills in an eye to make a wish, then the

other eye when the wish has been fulfilled. As seen above, they are traditionally red, have rather

determined expressions, and are modeled after Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk and purported

founder of Zen (above right). Though some have it that the original Dharma doll was yellow when

it was imported to Japan from China via Nagasaki, the doll that appears in front of Shino does not

appear very Dharma-like in appearance. In the past, Dharma dolls were also given to children as

charms to ward off evil (red being an evil-warding color)—could that be the connection of the dolls

to these zashikiwarashi?

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