Short Stuff: The Killing Stone
The Stuff You Should Know podcast sheds light on the legend of Tamamo-no-Mai, the mythical nine-tailed fox spirit that supposedly bewitched an emperor in ancient Japan. The intriguing tale's evolution reflects changing societal views on gender and power over time.
The episode also explores the Sesshōseki, the "Killing Stone" believed to be Tamamo-no-Mai's petrified remains. When the stone split in 2022, online speculation surged that the spirit had been unleashed. However, the summary explains the rational, natural cause behind the split, distinguishing legend from reality.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Sep 18, 2024 episode of the Stuff You Should Know
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1-Page Summary
The Myth of Tamamo-no-Mai
The Tale's Origins
Originally, Tamamo-no-Mai was depicted as a malicious nine-tailed fox spirit who bewitched Emperor Toba, nearly overthrowing him. When her true nature was discovered, samurai chased and killed her, her body transforming into the "Killing Stone," or Sesshōseki. The tale portrayed her as an embodiment of feminine treachery that traditional male authority had to vanquish.
Her Evolving Portrayal
Over time, Tamamo-no-Mai's depiction shifted in modern manga and anime to become more of a nuanced, proto-feminist anti-hero, the author suggests, reflecting changing societal views on gender and women's power in Japan.
The Sesshōseki Stone
The Sesshōseki, estimated to be six feet tall and 25 feet around, stood out from others on Mount Nasu. Its size, shape, and location amid volcanic gases contributed to it being identified as the "Killing Stone" from the Tamamo-no-Mai legend. The stone became a famous tourist draw over the centuries.
The 2022 Stone Split
In 2022, the Sesshōseki split in two, triggering viral speculation online that this signified the release of Tamamo-no-Mai's spirit. However, the author notes most Japanese people dismissed these claims as mythmaking exaggerations. The split proved to be simply a natural occurrence, illustrating the distinction between the real stone and its legendary backstory.
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Counterarguments
- The interpretation of Tamamo-no-Mai as an embodiment of feminine treachery could be seen as a reflection of historical gender biases rather than an objective portrayal of her character.
- The evolution of Tamamo-no-Mai's portrayal to a proto-feminist anti-hero might not necessarily reflect a broad societal shift in views on gender and women's power but could be limited to certain subcultures or genres within Japan.
- The Sesshōseki stone's fame as a tourist attraction could be attributed to its legendary status rather than its physical characteristics alone.
- The dismissal of the Sesshōseki stone split as a natural occurrence does not consider the cultural and symbolic significance such events can hold for local communities or individuals who may interpret natural events through a mythological lens.
- The claim that most Japanese people dismissed the viral speculation about the release of Tamamo-no-Mai's spirit may not accurately represent the diverse beliefs and opinions held by the population.
Actionables
- Explore the evolution of storytelling by comparing classic and modern interpretations of folklore characters in your favorite media. Start by identifying a character from an old fairy tale, myth, or legend and then find how they have been reimagined in contemporary books, movies, or series. This will give you insight into how narratives change over time and the role of cultural context in these transformations.
- Use the concept of mythmaking to understand current events by identifying a recent news story and analyzing how different communities might interpret it. Look for potential exaggerations or dramatizations in the reporting and discuss with friends or on social media how these could lead to modern myths.
- Reflect on the natural versus the supernatural by visiting a local natural landmark and researching its historical and cultural significance. Take note of any legends associated with it and consider how these stories might have been used to explain natural phenomena before the advent of modern science.
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The Tamamo-no-Mai folklore and its evolving portrayal
The story of Tamamo-no-Mai is a significant piece of Japanese folklore that has evolved over time to reflect changes in societal values and attitudes toward female characters.
Tamamo-no-Mai was a famous nine-tailed fox spirit in Japanese folklore known for enchanting and bewitching the Emperor Toba
Originally, Tamamo-no-Mai was one of the most infamous yokai, or supernatural creatures, in Japanese folklore. Disguised as a beautiful woman, she entered the court of Emperor Toba and managed to bewitch him with the aim of overthrowing him. The emperor became utterly enthralled by her, leading to a neglect of his imperial duties and eventually falling grievously ill. A soothsayer, suspecting Tamamo-no-Mai's true nature, confirmed that she was the cause behind the emperor's sudden sickness. When her true identity was discovered, she fled the court and was chased by a group of samurai to the land surrounding Mount Nasu. There, after a prolonged pursuit, the samurai finally slew the nine-tailed fox spirit. Upon her death, Tamamo-no-Mai's body was transformed into a stone known as Sessho-seki, or the Killing Stone.
The folklore depicted Tamamo-no-Mai as a malevolent, power-hungry entity that needed to be vanquished by samurai to save the emperor
In the traditional telling of the tale, Tamamo-no-Mai was seen as nothing but evil—a corruptor and a would-be usurper of male authority. The narrative served as an allegory, potentially reflecting historical events such as the Hogen Rebellion, where power shifted from the imperial court to the samurai class.
Over time, Tamamo-no-Mai's portrayal evolved to become more of a proto-femi ...
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The Tamamo-no-Mai folklore and its evolving portrayal
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Counterarguments
- The interpretation of Tamamo-no-Mai as a proto-feminist anti-hero could be anachronistic, projecting modern values onto a historical or mythological figure.
- The evolution of Tamamo-no-Mai's portrayal might reflect broader trends in pop culture rather than a specific societal shift in attitudes toward female power and agency.
- The original folklore's intention might not have been to depict Tamamo-no-Mai as purely evil, but rather as a complex figure with her own motivations and backstory, which could be lost in oversimplified retellings.
- The idea that Tamamo-no-Mai's transformation into a nuanced character is a reflection of contemporary gender dynamics could be disputed by those who see it as a natural evolution of storytelling, independent of social and political influences.
- Some may argue that the reimagining of traditional folklore characters like Tamamo-no-Mai risks distorting the original narratives and cultural significance for the sake of fitting modern tropes.
- The portrayal of Tamamo-no-Mai as a power-hungry entity could be seen as a reflection of the time's attitudes towards women in power, and the modern reinterpretation might not necessarily be more accurate but simply a different cultural lens.
- The depiction of Tamamo-no-Mai as a villainous figure in the past could be interpreted as a na ...
Actionables
- Explore the evolution of character archetypes by reading a classic folktale and its modern reinterpretation. Start with the original story of Tamamo-no-Mai and then find a contemporary manga or anime that reimagines her character. Note the differences in how the character is portrayed and consider what these changes say about current cultural values.
- Reflect on personal biases by journaling about characters in media that challenge traditional roles. Choose a character from a show or book you're currently enjoying, and write about how they either reinforce or subvert typical gender roles. This exercise can help you become more aware of your own perceptions and how media influences them.
- Encourage nuanced character development in c ...
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The "killing stone" (Sesshōseki) and its physical representation of the folklore
The Sesshōseki, or "killing stone," was a large, distinctive rock formation on Mount Nasu that was believed to be the physical manifestation of the Tamamo-no-Mai spirit
The Sesshōseki, or "killing stone," is a famous large rock tied to the legend of Tamamo-no-Mae, a mythical fox spirit who was believed to have transformed into the stone upon her death. Standing out due to its significant size, the stone was estimated to be about six feet tall and 25 feet in circumference, clearly distinguishing itself from other stones in the area.
The stone's unusual size and shape, along with the presence of potentially toxic gases in the surrounding volcanic area, contributed to its identification as the "killing stone" in the folklore
The Sesshōseki was located in a volcanic area near Mount Nasu, where poisonous gases were known to spew. This hazardous environment lent a menacing quality to the stone and contributed to its lore as the "killing stone," where the cursed spirit of Tamamo-no-Mae ...
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The "killing stone" (Sesshōseki) and its physical representation of the folklore
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Actionables
- Explore local legends by visiting a nearby historical site to connect with cultural narratives in your area. Just as the Sesshōseki is tied to Japanese folklore, your region likely has its own tales that are rooted in specific locations. Find out about these stories and plan a visit to one such site. This can deepen your appreciation for local culture and history, much like the visitors to the Sesshōseki.
- Create a themed art project based on a local legend to engage with cultural stories creatively. You don't need to be an artist; simple mediums like sketching, painting, or even digital art apps can be used to depict a scene or element from a tale that intrigues you. This activity allows you to interpret and express the narrative in a personal way, similar to how the Sesshōseki embodies the story of Tamamo-no-Mae.
- Write a short story or poem inspired by a local m ...
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The recent viral social media reaction to the stone splitting
In 2022, an intriguing incident concerning an ancient rock known as Sesshōseki, or the "Killing Stone," has caught the attention of social media users worldwide and sparked a viral response steeped in folklore and superstition.
In 2022, the Sesshōseki split in two, triggering a viral social media reaction from some who believed this signified the release of the Tamamo-no-Mai spirit
The Sesshōseki rock is associated with the story of Tamamo no Mai, a legendary nine-tailed fox spirit. As legend has it, the spirit was trapped within the rock many years ago. When this rock suddenly split into two, a flurry of social media activity erupted with speculations and concerns about the potential release of the fox spirit. The viral tweet that speculated about the stone's split and the possible unleashing of Tamamo no Mai gained considerable traction online, causing both amusement and concern among netizens.
The viral tweet speculating about the stone's split and the potential release of the nine-tailed fox spirit went viral, but most Japanese people did not take the claims seriously, recognizing them as exaggerations of the folklore
However, it's important to note that the reaction among Japanese locals was markedly different. Most Japanese people did not take the viral speculations seriously and quickly dismissed the tweets as classic internet myth-making and exaggeration of the folklore associated with the Sesshōseki stone.
Despite the ...
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The recent viral social media reaction to the stone splitting
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Clarifications
- The Sesshōseki, also known as the "Killing Stone," is an ancient rock in Japanese folklore associated with the legend of Tamamo no Mae, a nine-tailed fox spirit. The stone is believed to contain the spirit of Tamamo no Mae, who was sealed within it as a punishment. The splitting of the Sesshōseki in 2022 sparked viral social media reactions due to its connection to the folklore surrounding the legendary fox spirit. Despite the superstitions and speculations, the splitting of the rock was a natural event with no observed supernatural consequences, highlighting the distinction between folklore and reality.
- Tamamo no Mai is a legendary figure in Japanese folklore, often depicted as a nine-tailed fox spirit capable of shape-shifting. The story typically involves deceit, betrayal, and supernatural abilities attributed to the fox spirit. Tamamo no Mai is known for her cunning nature and her ability to manipulate events to achieve her goals. The legend of the nine-tailed fox spirit is a popular motif in various Asian cultures, symbolizing both malevolence and seduction.
- The folklore associated with the Sesshōseki stone revolves around the legend of Tamamo no Mai, a nine-tailed fox spirit. According to the tale, the spirit was sealed within the stone due to its malevolent nature. The stone's splitting in the folklore is often linked to the potential release of the fox spirit, leading to various superstitions and beliefs. This folklore is deeply rooted in Japanese mythology and has been passed down through generations, shaping cultural perceptions and interpretations of natural phenomena.
- The distinction between the physical world and legendary tales highlights the separation between factual, observable events and the mythical or folklore narratives that may be associated with them. It emphasizes the difference between what can be proven through evidence and what exists in the realm of stories, beliefs, and cultural traditions. This distinction is crucial for understanding how folklore and legends can shape perceptions and interpretations of real-world occurrences wit ...
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