Youkai

Youkai (Japanese: 妖怪 Youkai) are a class of supernatural creatures in Inazuma. Unlike humans, they possess longer lifespans and different natures, and upon reaching a certain level of power, they can take on human form.

Overview

The birth of a youkai is closely tied to desire. A yearning, an uncompleted dream, an unfinished undertaking, or the pull of a certain emotion may remain dormant. With the slightest catalyst, these unsatisfied desires can take root, grow, and sprout unexpected offshoots.^[1]

Not all youkai are born as such. Some beings may become youkai over time, such as Kirara, who was once an normal cat.^[2][3] Similarly, Tsukumogami are objects that gradually develop sentience after prolonged exposure to powerful youkai energy, eventually transforming into youkai.^[4]

As the years passed, youkai bloodlines continued to grow thinner with each passing day.^[5][6] For example, Itto inherited several characteristics of the Crimson Oni, including his horns and his allergy to beans.^[7] Likewise, as the Kitsune population dwindled, they gradually lost their mystical abilities, and present-day kitsune are no longer able to speak.^[8]

Some individuals are granted the title of Great Youkai (大妖怪), a distinction reserved for exceptionally powerful youkai. Historically, many figures have held this title, including Hakushin, Kitsune Saiguu, Urakusai, Giichiro, Sasayuri, Reizenbou, and Daikengyou.^[9][10] Most of them eventually died, and the only known Great Youkai still living are Yae Miko, Yumemizuki Mizuki, and Ioroi. Kirara would have become a Great Youkai if she had returned to the wild, but she herself says that she doesn't want to do so.^[11]

Story

Before the foundation of Inazuma, youkai roamed freely across the lands, mountains, and forests of the archipelago during a period known as the Youkai Era.^[12][13] According to tanuki legends, they lived in harmony until the arrival of the kitsune, which sparked a war for control of the islands. The conflict lasted for 1,600 years before ending through peace negotiations. Although the tanuki never admitted defeat, they ceded the Sacred Sakura and Mt. Yougou to the kitsune, while the conquered territories became known as the Hakushin Lands.^[12][14] Legend states that the endless shape-shifting between both sides eventually caused many participants to forget their true forms and identities, giving rise to humanity, described as "the product of bewildered youkai."^[12]

During the Archon War, Inazuma was a dangerous place, some youkai lived in seclusion while others faced destruction and suppression, and if they wanted the Raiden Shogun's protection, they had to have a good relationship with humans.^[15] Raiden Ei conquered and subdued numerous youkai races,^[12][16][17] and those who fought under her banner used their powers to help humans seek refuge in the mountains and build a city by the sea.^[5]

People at that time did not distinguish between oni tribes and treated them all the same. Because the blue oni often clashed with humans while the crimson oni sought peaceful relations, the two tribes formed a pact: the blue oni would help the crimson oni integrate with humans, and the crimson oni would treat humans with respect, avoid using their strength for evil, and earn their trust.^[15][18]

Following the unification of the islands, the youkai prospered once more. Hundreds of years ago, the Kitsune Saiguu organized gatherings where youkai would drink, play music, and tell stories late into the night. Traditions such as the Hyakkiyakou and the Mikawa Flower Festival originated during this period. However, during the Cataclysm, both humans and youkai fought against the Abyssal invasion. Many youkai lost their lives or disappeared, including Mikoshi Chiyo, the Kitsune Saiguu, and Reizenbou, all prominent members of revered clans. By the present day, the number of youkai has dwindled substantially, and their bloodlines continue to thin.^[4][5]

Types

The following types of youkai have been shown or mentioned. Most share their names with real mythological youkai.

• Ameonna (Japanese: 雨女)^[12]
• Bake-danuki (Japanese: 化け狸) (also referred to as "tanuki")^[14][12]
• Bake-neko (Japanese: 化け猫) (also referred to simply as "neko")^[12]
  • Nekomata (Japanese: 猫又)^[19]
• Black Jade (Japanese: 黒玉 Kurodama, lit. "Black Ball")^[20][21]
• Gashadokuro (Japanese: 餓者髑髏)^[22]
• Hitotsume Kozou (Japanese: 一つ目小僧)^[23]
• Inugami (Japanese: 犬神)^[20][24]
• Kappa (Japanese: 河童)^[23]
• Kasha (Japanese: 火車)^[20]
• Kawauso (Japanese: 獺)^[23]
• Kitsune (Japanese: 狐)^[14][12]
  • Yakan (Japanese: 野干)^[25]
• Mujina (Japanese: 貉)^[26]
• Nightmares^[27]
• Nue (Japanese: 鵺)^[28]
• Oni (Japanese: 鬼)^[14][29]
  • Jikininki (Japanese: 食人鬼)^[12]
• Raging Flame (Japanese: 蓑火 Minobi, lit. "Raincoat Fire")^[20][30]
• Shinkirou (Japanese: 蜃気樓)^[31]
• Tengu (Japanese: 天狗)^[12][29]
  • Karasu Tengu (Japanese: 烏天狗)^[32][33]
• Tofu Boys (Japanese: 豆腐小僧)^[20] (in real life, typically romanized into English as Tōfu-kozō)
• Tsukumogami (Japanese: 付喪神)^[34][35]
• Umibouzu (Japanese: 海坊主)^[20][36][37]
• Yumekui-baku (Japanese: 夢喰い獏 lit. "Dream Eater") (also referred to simply as "baku")

Known Youkai

Playable Characters

Itto

Kirara

Kujou Sara

Mizuki

Yae Miko

Other Known Youkai

Bake-Danuki

Bake-Neko/Nekomata

Kitsune

Oni

Tengu

Tsukumogami

Umibouzu

Yumekui-Baku

Other Types

7 Characters match the category selection:

Trivia

• In Japanese mythology and folklore, youkai play an almost identical role to that of the youkai in Teyvat.
• Although Sayu is referred to as a mujina and is often mistaken for a tanuki, she explicitly identifies herself as completely human, indicating that she's not a youkai.^[41]
• Although Gorou's appearance has led many to speculate that he may be a youkai or have youkai ancestry, there's no evidence confirming this. In fact, the available evidence suggests otherwise: Gyoubu was able to recognize Mizuki as a youkai, yet identified Gorou as a human.^[41] As a result, it's more likely that Gorou is simply a human with animal features, similar to other inhabitants of Teyvat, rather than a youkai.
• Taroumaru is a Shiba Inu who formerly served as a ninken of the Shuumatsuban before becoming the owner of the Komore Teahouse. According to Nakanishi, Taroumaru remained by his side from his youth until his retirement,^[42] implying a lifespan far exceeding that of an ordinary Shiba Inu. While this has led to speculation that Taroumaru may possess a supernatural nature, possibly as a youkai, no official confirmation has been provided.

Gallery

Story Teaser- Promise of a People's Dream - Genshin Impact

Story Teaser- Akitsu Haneasobi - Genshin Impact

Story Teaser- Ode of Floating Dreams - Genshin Impact

Character Teaser - "Raiden Shogun- Nightmare" - Genshin Impact

Character Teaser - "Yae Miko- Kitsune's Affections" - Genshin Impact

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References

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