Gashadokuro - がしゃどくろ - [Yokai]

•About this Yokai•

Gashadokuro - がしゃどくろ

...said to be spawned from mass graves or perhaps the combined skeletal remains of a village that perished from starvation... these 90ft tall starving skeletons now wander the country side at night; biting off the heads & drinking the blood of those that dare to travel alone. - They'll only disappear and crumble to dust when their energy runs out. - its said before they strike: they're invisible, a high pitched scraping sound can be heard, their bones and teeth rattling with a "gachi-gachi" as it approaches. – At least, that's the popular modern description.

•History and early appearances•

The famous picture scroll: "Takiyasha, the Witch and the Skeleton Spectre." (Utagawa Kuniyoshi, 1844) - Depicts a gigantic skeleton attacking kyotos palace. – it is the most popular illustration, often given the title of "Gashadokuro" - most modern depictions of the yokai are in fact inspired by this print. - However: its been theorized & debated by some modern art scholars that the gigantic skeleton was simply a stylistic choice decided on Kuniyoshi's part. – in tellings; the original story describes an "army of skeletons" and does not mention a giant. – [its a lot easier to illustrate a single giant than an army of tiny bones.] – Some believe that the lore of Gashadokuro was perhaps invented by folklorists in the 70’s who mixed up the lore with that of the similar giant skull yokai Mekurabe: a giantic skull which is made up of several smaller skulls. – However, conversely to that:  lore having to do with giant skeletons, does date all the way back to stories from the 10th century!!! 

Sticker Art by @Samkalensky (yo, thats me!) - Part of my Night parade of 100 Demons - Yokai & Japanese folklore sticker collection, weather-resistant 4" Glossy sticker. Check my shop & follow @samkalensky for many more!