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| A '''nekomata''' is a ] ], believed to ] from ] ]. It was believed that after a cat reached ten years of age, its tail would slowly split into two tails, and along the way would develop ] powers, primarily that of ] and ]. By gesturing with its tails or with its forepaws (as it walked upright), nekomata were said to animate and control the dead. Nekomata in the wild were also said to feed on the corpses as ], as well. | |||
| Though nekomata were normally assumed to behave with the same aloof manner as normal cats, they were known to hold grudges (especially older, mistreated cats, which tended to be more powerful than the average nekomata). To gain revenge, these nekomata usually controlled the tormentors' dead relatives, haunting them until the nekomata was appeased with food, apologies and attention. | |||
| A '''nekomata''' is a ]ese ] being. Neko in ] means ]. It is said that when this cat gets older, its tail splits into two. It has the power to control corpses, so says the "How to Draw ]: Occult and Horror" book. | |||
| Lastly, some Japanese ] said that nekomata could ] and become human in appearance; however, unlike the more common ], nekomata women tended to look older, display bad habits in public and always had an air of dread around them, which if around people for an extended period could cause disease and pestilence. | |||
| It is believed that as the cat gets older, the split down the tail grows larger. That is to say, after one year, the tail might be split only halfway, but a year after, the tail would be completely split in two. | |||
| == Related links == | == Related links == | ||
| * | |||
| * - ''Otoyo'', a story involving a nekomata | |||
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Revision as of 19:29, 11 May 2005
A nekomata is a Japanese mythological creature, believed to evolve from domesticated cats. It was believed that after a cat reached ten years of age, its tail would slowly split into two tails, and along the way would develop magic powers, primarily that of necromancy and shamanism. By gesturing with its tails or with its forepaws (as it walked upright), nekomata were said to animate and control the dead. Nekomata in the wild were also said to feed on the corpses as carrion, as well.
Though nekomata were normally assumed to behave with the same aloof manner as normal cats, they were known to hold grudges (especially older, mistreated cats, which tended to be more powerful than the average nekomata). To gain revenge, these nekomata usually controlled the tormentors' dead relatives, haunting them until the nekomata was appeased with food, apologies and attention.
Lastly, some Japanese folk tales said that nekomata could shapeshift and become human in appearance; however, unlike the more common nekomusume, nekomata women tended to look older, display bad habits in public and always had an air of dread around them, which if around people for an extended period could cause disease and pestilence.
Related links
- Nekomata entry at Yokaimura.org
- Monogatari.org - Otoyo, a story involving a nekomata