DUE: Dec. 31, 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 - HW4 - HOL ID" or "Japanese Mythology - EC4 - 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 4

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 blank is worth 1 points for a total of 10 points.
  1. Although kami can refer to gods and other deities, in general, kami are ________ typically associated with __________ phenomena that exist in the everyday world.
  2. A _____________ is very similar to Western concept of the Grim Reaper. The only major difference between the two is that whereas there is only a single Grim Reaper, there are many shinigami that often work in ________. 
  3. Kodama do not reside in all trees, but instead, tend to inhabit _______ and larger trees that are often part of a __________.
  4. In Japanese culture, if a person were to die in a sudden or violent manner, such as from murder or suicide, if no proper funeral was given or ______ were performed after their death, or if they were _____________ by negative emotions like hatred, jealousy, or revenge when they were living, then the spirit of the human--the reikon--will transform into a yurei.
  5. A shikigami is a spirit used by ____________, or sorcerers, to do their bidding, whether it be to serve or _________ them.


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. The Kirin is also sometimes known as Qilin in Vietnamese folklore, from which it originated.
  2. It is said that if you cut down a tree that houses a kodama, you will be struck with bad luck and misfortune.
  3. Once a reikon becomes a yurei, it will forever remain on earth and there is nothing that can be done to save it or guide it to its afterlife.
  4. A shinigami is a spirit given the responsibility of killing an individual at his or her designated time and then with guiding said person to the underworld.
  5. Shikigami are often used to to carry out risky jobs, such as spying, stealing, and tracking enemies.
  6. Kodama are spirits that are associated with rivers and are charged with the task of protecting them from any harm.
  7. Despite the mystery that shrouds the kirin, it is typically acknowledged as the most powerful beast in Japanese mythology, considered to be almost god-like.
  8. Kami is the Japanese word for 'spirits' and is used to describe kinds of supernatural forces that exist in nature.
  9. A shikigami are limited in the forms they can take and can only assume the form of a paper cutout.
  10. It is said that when a kirin walks, it can spread peace wherever it goes, but it has to take great care not to tread on any living creature because of it's large size.


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.  Grim Reapers are normally invisible to people and can only be seen to those
            a)    who possess the magical sight
            b)    who have never sinned
            c)    for whom death is near
            d)    who are sinners

   2.  Shikigami are like the Western concept of
            a)    an angel
            b)    the devil
            c)    a witch/wizard's familiar
            d)    a pixie

  3.  In most interpretations, the kirin is said to have scales like a dragon, hooves like an ox, and a tail like a ______.
            a)    lion
            b)    cougar
            c)    wolf
            d)    tiger

  4.  What Greek mythological creatures are kodama similar to?
            a)    oceanids
            b)    pleiades
            c)    satyrs
            d)    dryads

  5.  What does yurei translate to in English?
            a)    dead spirit
            b)    faint soul
            c)    ghost
            d)    dim spirit


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.
Let's compare kami with yokai, which we read about in the previous lesson. What are the differences and similarities between the two? And how are each of them viewed in Japanese culture? Are there any negative or positive connotations with either of the two? Explain.

Extra Credit 4

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

Option 1: Writing Project
Pick one of the kami we learned about in this lesson or research one on your own, and then compare it to with what you believe its Western counterpart(s) would be, i.e. you could compare shinigami with the Grim Reaper. Look at the two and describe the differences/similarities. If possible, try to find other examples of similar mythological spirits/creatures from other cultures.

Option 2: Art Project
As we saw in this lesson, there are many different ways of portraying kami in popular media and art. So, for this extra credit option, illustrate either one of the kami learned about in this lesson or one you found on your own, however you want. 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.