DUE: Nov. 30, 2012 at 11:59 HOL pm

_Please email your homework to [email protected] in text format. The subject of the email should be "Japanese Mythology - HW3 - HOL ID" or "Japanese Mythology - EC3 - HOL ID". Please submit your homework and extra credit separately. Also remember to include your full HOL name, HOL ID, and House name in the body of your email.

Homework 3

There are several options available here, but you only need to do 30 points worth. Please do not exceed this limit--if you do, I will not count it towards extra credit.


PART 1: Short Answers (10 pts)
Answer the questions in complete sentences. Each question is worth 2 points for a total of 10 points.

  1. Some yokai resemble ___________ animals of Japan and are believed to be ________ shifters.
  2. Tengu take their names from the dog-like _________ demons in Chinese folklore, despite the fact that they do not resemble dogs at all. Instead, they are ___________________ in shape, with ________-like characteristics.
  3. Typically regarded as troublemakers, kappas are usually blamed for _____________ that occur in coastal areas of Japan.
  4. Oni are supernatural creatures that _____________ any kind of being similar to that of a demon, _____, devil, or troll.
  5. __________ are female demons and ghosts of women that were consumed by jealousy or _______________ in their past lives.


PART 2: True or False (10 pts)
If the statement is false, please rewrite it so it is true. Each question is worth 1 point, for a total of 10 points.

  1. Tanuki are mischievous and angry creatures, with powers of shape-shifting and disguise.
  2. In addition to having magical powers, Kitsunes are said to possess great intelligence and a long life.
  3. Kappas are very similar to the naiads and kelpies of Greek and Scottish mythology.
  4. Oni are often portrayed as ugly creatures, with claws, fangs, and slitted eyes.
  5. The Zenko, which literally translates into bad fox, are foxes that tend to be mischievous and sometimes even evil.
  6. The most defining characteristic of a tengu is its long nose, which resembles the beaks of birds.
  7. Shikaku--a nine tailed, fox-like demon from the popular manga, Naruto--is actually based off of the kitsune from Japanese folklore.
  8. In many Japanese folktales, tengus are portrayed as being ridiculous and easily outwitted by the humans that they meet.
  9. Because of their hideous physical features and strong spiritual powers, oni are considered to be evil and a subject of hatred by many.
  10. Stories of kappas are often told with the express purpose of amusing and entertaining children.


PART 3: Multiple Choice (10 pts)
For each of the questions, choose the most appropriate answer. Each question is worth 2 point, for a total of 10 points.

   1.  A tanuki is a type of
            a)    rat
            b)    skunk
            c)    hedgehog
            d)    racoon dog

   2.  Translated in english, yokai means otherworldly and __________.
            a)    shiny
            b)    weird
            c)    fearsome
            d)    sparkly

   3.  "The Tengu's Gourd" is a tale of gambler that manages to outwit a tengu. It involves
            a)    rice
            b)    beans
            c)    mochi
            d)    cake

   4.  What kind of fruit is often used in the practice of warding off oni?
            a)    plum
            b)    banana
            c)    orange
            d)    peach

   5.  In most modern portrayals of the tanuki, they are depicted carrying what kinds of objects?
            a)    a sword and shield
            b)    a straw hat and sake
            c)    a bow and arrow
            d)    a pitchfork and torch


PART 4: Essay Question (20 pts)
Answer the following essay question using at least 150 words and in complete sentences. There is no right or wrong answer. Only remember to provide reasoning to your opinions.
How do the yokai of Japanese folklore compare to the monsters of Western Legends? In what ways are they similar or different? Are there any overlaps in both cultures? Are yokai in Japanese culture viewed the same way as monsters in Western culture?

Extra Credit 3

Choose one of the two extra credit options below. Each is worth 30 points.

Option 1: Writing Project
Write about a yokai of your own creation and describe it in at least 200 words. What sorts of powers and characteristics does it have? Is it a benevolent or evil creature? What would it look like?

Option 2: Art Project
Make up your own yokai and illustrate or create an image of it. Be creative and remember, all artwork must be your original work. Make sure to upload you image to a image-hosting site and then send the link! Attachments will not be opened.