Celestials
Celestials (天人, tennin) are former humans, hermits that can be divided in two classes: those who gained immortality and ascended to heaven, and those who attained enlightenment and entered Nirvana. Unlike humans who have daily hard lives on earth, they live in a carefree manner enjoying music, fishing and playing games. They usually descend to earth to say absurd things that trouble normal humans and then return to heaven. Celestials' bodies are poison to youkai, and beasts are awed by them. They can also fly and ride the clouds giving them a frightening, god-like appearance.
According to Komachi Onozuka, celestials are not truly immortal. Instead, they manage to defeat the shinigami that comes to collect their souls on a routine basis, continually extending their lifespan.
According to Komachi Onozuka, celestials are not truly immortal. Instead, they manage to defeat the shinigami that comes to collect their souls on a routine basis, continually extending their lifespan.
Crows
Crows (カラス, karasu) refers to any animal within the genus Corvus in the family Corvidae. This genus includes true crows, ravens, rooks, and jackdaws. Of the three birds within this genus not called a crow, the raven resembles and is misidentified as a crow. Crows are also considered one of the smartest animals on earth due to their learning capabilities and ability to make tools.
Ravens are a select few species of birds from the genus Corvus. The term raven does not exist in Japanese and are called crows and the differences between the names are all scientific. Although a raven is a type of crow, not all crows can be called ravens. Ravens are usually much larger than crows with different physical features, and are much more solitary than the crow which flock in masses. They are known to live much longer than crows as well.
In Touhou, Crows can often be spotted around Youkai Mountain, near Tengu territory. Ravens are found mostly in Former Hell. The most noticeable difference between the crows and ravens of Youkai Mountain is that the ravens have red eyes.
Ravens are a select few species of birds from the genus Corvus. The term raven does not exist in Japanese and are called crows and the differences between the names are all scientific. Although a raven is a type of crow, not all crows can be called ravens. Ravens are usually much larger than crows with different physical features, and are much more solitary than the crow which flock in masses. They are known to live much longer than crows as well.
In Touhou, Crows can often be spotted around Youkai Mountain, near Tengu territory. Ravens are found mostly in Former Hell. The most noticeable difference between the crows and ravens of Youkai Mountain is that the ravens have red eyes.
Devils
Devils (悪魔, akuma) are a mighty race that inhabit Gensokyo, mostly in the Makai.
Like magicians or vampires. It was once said that they lived in different parts of our world until mass appearances of Demon Hunters and other Christian Zealots who hunted them to extinction.
Vampires are considered to be a type of devil in Gensokyo. Youkai or Oni might be some kind of devils as well.
In some stories, Devils are strong enough to take down a Dragon, since they once attempted a invasion on Gensokyo, but the Dragon made the Hakurei Border with the first Shrine Maiden of the Hakurei family (possibly Reimu Hakurei's ancestor) to protect it from them.
Like magicians or vampires. It was once said that they lived in different parts of our world until mass appearances of Demon Hunters and other Christian Zealots who hunted them to extinction.
Vampires are considered to be a type of devil in Gensokyo. Youkai or Oni might be some kind of devils as well.
In some stories, Devils are strong enough to take down a Dragon, since they once attempted a invasion on Gensokyo, but the Dragon made the Hakurei Border with the first Shrine Maiden of the Hakurei family (possibly Reimu Hakurei's ancestor) to protect it from them.
Divine Spirits
A Divine Spirit (神霊, shinrei) is the spirit of a human who achieved godhood during their life or after their death. These are the spirits that live in Shinto shrines and are worshipped. Like Gods, they are powered by faith.
Apparently, they are able to speak aloud, but in an extremely soft manner. Shrine Maidens are able to communicate their words to others using certain techniques.
Apparently, they are able to speak aloud, but in an extremely soft manner. Shrine Maidens are able to communicate their words to others using certain techniques.
Dolls
A Doll (人形, ningyo) is an artificial object most often of small size and with human/humanoid appearance.
Although normally inanimate in the outside world, Gensokyo dolls seem significantly more mobile. This is usually due to being magically controlled by a puppeteer, such as Alice Margatroid. The dolls that Alice uses seem unlimited in number, as she regularly sacrifices them in explosive attacks and never seems to run out. It's no wonder certain dolls feel like victims.
Although normally inanimate in the outside world, Gensokyo dolls seem significantly more mobile. This is usually due to being magically controlled by a puppeteer, such as Alice Margatroid. The dolls that Alice uses seem unlimited in number, as she regularly sacrifices them in explosive attacks and never seems to run out. It's no wonder certain dolls feel like victims.
Dragons
Dragon (竜 or 龍, both pronounced ryu) is said to be the highest-order god of Gensokyo. According to Perfect Memento, he lives anywhere and he looks like a serpent with hands and horns. He was also said to be last seen during the Creation of the Great Hakurei Barrier.
Both Humans and Youkai worship him, due to his capability of creating and destroying anything.
The eyes of the Dragon's statue in the Human Village are said to predict the weather.
Both Humans and Youkai worship him, due to his capability of creating and destroying anything.
The eyes of the Dragon's statue in the Human Village are said to predict the weather.
Evil Spirits
An evil spirit (悪霊, akuryo) is a special type of ghost created under special circumstances. When a person dies, they must wait on the Sanzu River for a shinigami to ferry them across. However, if a youkai steals their body away before they cross the river, that person will become an evil spirit. Unlike normal ghosts, evil spirits are hot to the touch.
Certain corpse-stealing youkai (Reni Kaenbyou), especially seem to be capable of both creating and controlling evil spirits.
Certain corpse-stealing youkai (Reni Kaenbyou), especially seem to be capable of both creating and controlling evil spirits.
Fairies
A Fairy (妖精, yousei) is a simple creature of magic that represents some aspect of nature. Many of them are also simple-minded.
Fairies may have abilities relating to the four seasons, weather, emotions, longevity, decay, fertility, or other aspects of nature. The power exercised by a single fairy is usually harmless and small scale, so they're more suited to playing around, rather than causing major happenings. Fortunately, most fairies are easily amused.
Fairies may have abilities relating to the four seasons, weather, emotions, longevity, decay, fertility, or other aspects of nature. The power exercised by a single fairy is usually harmless and small scale, so they're more suited to playing around, rather than causing major happenings. Fortunately, most fairies are easily amused.
Gatekeeper/Guard
A Gatekeeper (門番 Monban) or a Guard (ガード Gado) is someone who guards the entrance of a place.
Ghosts
Becoming a ghost (亡霊 bourei) is what happens to humans when they die and are unable to rest in peace. Being dead, one might think that they no longer have any need for food, sleep, physical pain, or other inconveniences of the living condition. Whether any of that is true is currently unknown. What we know is that they like to party, eat, behave cryptically, continue doing the same activities they enjoyed in life, and generally have a good time.
Within the safely guarded borders of the Netherworld, ghosts live out the days of their afterlives pursuing whatever happens to come to mind. There are some vague hints about a chain of command that even the dead must follow, but it doesn't seem like specific details have been worked out. Ghosts are easily distracted.
The downside on being a ghost seems to be not having a real body. In fact, Ghosts seem to be able to drink and eat because they're able to touch objects but they never have a feeling of satisfaction on it. But it still isn't obvious.
Within the safely guarded borders of the Netherworld, ghosts live out the days of their afterlives pursuing whatever happens to come to mind. There are some vague hints about a chain of command that even the dead must follow, but it doesn't seem like specific details have been worked out. Ghosts are easily distracted.
The downside on being a ghost seems to be not having a real body. In fact, Ghosts seem to be able to drink and eat because they're able to touch objects but they never have a feeling of satisfaction on it. But it still isn't obvious.
Gods
Gods (神, kami) are most often conceived of as the supernatural creator and overseer of the universe. Theologians have ascribed a variety of attributes to the many different conceptions of God. The most common among these include omniscience (infinite knowledge), omnipotence (unlimited power), omnipresence (present everywhere), omnibenevolence (perfect godness), divine simplicity, and eternal and necessary existence.
Gods have also been conceived as being incorporeal (without form), a personal being, the source of all moral obligation, and the "Greatest Conceivable Existent".
They're otherwise known as deities are preternatural or supernatural beings belonging to various religions and folklore. In Japan's native religion Shinto, there are many deities compared to many other religions around the world. Unlike most religions, in Shinto, gods can be both good and evil and have a wide range of personality and ideals. Shrines are also build for the deity as a place to occupy in order to interact with humans and other creatures.
Gods have also been conceived as being incorporeal (without form), a personal being, the source of all moral obligation, and the "Greatest Conceivable Existent".
They're otherwise known as deities are preternatural or supernatural beings belonging to various religions and folklore. In Japan's native religion Shinto, there are many deities compared to many other religions around the world. Unlike most religions, in Shinto, gods can be both good and evil and have a wide range of personality and ideals. Shrines are also build for the deity as a place to occupy in order to interact with humans and other creatures.
Hermits
Hermits (仙人, sennin) are humans that live for thousands of years but are not actually immortal, like celestials. However, although a celestial is a type of hermit, which are poisonous to youkai, though hermits of earth are considered a delicacy; a youkai who has eaten a hermit would ascend to a higher rank or form, and any ordinary animal that consumes the flesh of a hermit will become a youkai.
Hermits spend most of their days reciting sutras every sunrise and sunset. They consume very little food, and those older than 500 only have to ingest mist and haze to survive. Occasionally (about once every century), an assassin from Hell will attack the hermit; if the hermit has slacked off even the slightest in the pursuit of Shuugyouku, the hermit is immediately sent to Hell.
Since hermits have not completely discarded all their worldly desires, they would often come to help humans in need. It is said that some youkai exterminators become hermits as a result of their work.
Hermits spend most of their days reciting sutras every sunrise and sunset. They consume very little food, and those older than 500 only have to ingest mist and haze to survive. Occasionally (about once every century), an assassin from Hell will attack the hermit; if the hermit has slacked off even the slightest in the pursuit of Shuugyouku, the hermit is immediately sent to Hell.
Since hermits have not completely discarded all their worldly desires, they would often come to help humans in need. It is said that some youkai exterminators become hermits as a result of their work.
Humans
Humans (人間, ningen) in the land of Gensokyo are physically similar to humans in our world, but are remarkably different in terms of abilities. In ancient times, brave humans, who knew how to deal with supernatural entities, traveled to a youkai-infested area that we now call Gensokyo. They settled there in order to watch the youkai and keep them from terrorizing the rest of the countryside. These capable humans battled the youkai often. One day, Gensokyo was sealed away from the rest of the world. Having been separated from the rest of humanity, Gensokyo humans have ignored scientific advances and developed formidable innate spiritual power to survive. Today, the normal Gensokyo human is probably a little more powerful than the average youkai, but the population of youkai greatly outnumbers humans. Most humans live in the Human Village, but a few live in other notable locations.
Of course, there exist exceptional humans who can fight on equal terms against the most powerful beings in Gensokyo.
Of course, there exist exceptional humans who can fight on equal terms against the most powerful beings in Gensokyo.
Immortals
Immortals (不老不死 , furoufushi) are organisms who cannot die under normal circumstances like age. Immortality is divided into two separate groups; one that is based on folklore and the other being based on science. The scientific image of immortality is different than what immortality is often portrayed in religion or popular culture.
In folklore, those who obtained immortality cannot die regardless what happens to them. More often than not, immortals are restrained, sealed, or imprisoned. A human who is immortal is often considered to have committed a spiritual crime. Spirits and Gods are seen as immortal in many religions as well. Undead beings like the Jiang Shi are immortal to some extent, seeing as they can be resurrected after death, however they are technically considered dead and not immortal.
In science, biological immortality is the only form of immortality theoretically achievable and has been seen in nature. This form prevents an organism's death as long as it is not physically harmed, unlike in immortality seen in folklore. Biological immortality has only been seen in few organisms, such as the Turritopsis nutricula jellyfish. In some religions, gods are biologically immortal as they do not die from age but by injury from other gods or other creatures.
In Gensokyo there are quite a few biological immortals, such as the lunarians or hermits. Spirits like yuurei and onryou are also biologically immortal seeing as they can be killed by beings like Youmu Konpaku or Kasen Ibaraki who have the ability to dispose of such beings. However, because they are non-living/dead, they cannot be classified as immortals. Only a few characters in the series are pure immortals. Those who have taken the Hourai Elixir are known as the "people of hourai" (蓬莱人, houraibito or houraijin). Currently, this is the only known method to obtain pure immortality.
In folklore, those who obtained immortality cannot die regardless what happens to them. More often than not, immortals are restrained, sealed, or imprisoned. A human who is immortal is often considered to have committed a spiritual crime. Spirits and Gods are seen as immortal in many religions as well. Undead beings like the Jiang Shi are immortal to some extent, seeing as they can be resurrected after death, however they are technically considered dead and not immortal.
In science, biological immortality is the only form of immortality theoretically achievable and has been seen in nature. This form prevents an organism's death as long as it is not physically harmed, unlike in immortality seen in folklore. Biological immortality has only been seen in few organisms, such as the Turritopsis nutricula jellyfish. In some religions, gods are biologically immortal as they do not die from age but by injury from other gods or other creatures.
In Gensokyo there are quite a few biological immortals, such as the lunarians or hermits. Spirits like yuurei and onryou are also biologically immortal seeing as they can be killed by beings like Youmu Konpaku or Kasen Ibaraki who have the ability to dispose of such beings. However, because they are non-living/dead, they cannot be classified as immortals. Only a few characters in the series are pure immortals. Those who have taken the Hourai Elixir are known as the "people of hourai" (蓬莱人, houraibito or houraijin). Currently, this is the only known method to obtain pure immortality.
Kasha
The Kasha (火車, kasha lit. Fire Vehicle) is a cat-like monster which steals corpses during a funeral. The legend of the Kasha was not limited to funerals, however. Some stories tell of seemingly ordinary days where an elderly woman who is especially hated by everyone announces that she is going to an outside lavatory and upon stepping outside would be carried away by a huge black cloud into the sky. But this cloud is also at times referred to as Mouryou, another beast from Japanese folklore. It seems that the "mouryou" and "kasha" were thought of as the same class of demon.
The Kasha steal corpses before cremation and caused much anger and mortification among those at the funeral, for legened stated that the person being carried away had committed a large number of sins during their life.
The Kasha steal corpses before cremation and caused much anger and mortification among those at the funeral, for legened stated that the person being carried away had committed a large number of sins during their life.
Kitsunes
Generally, Kitsune (狐, kitsune) is just the Japanese word for fox. However, when used in Japanese folklore, the kitsune is a type of youkai, and is believed to possess great intelligence, long life, and magical powers. One of the more notable features of the kitsune are their numerous tails; they may possess as many as nine. The more tails a kitsune has, the older and more powerful he or she is, for every one hundred years they live, another tail grows. Once they have lived for eight hundred years they will have nine tails, one of them the one they were born with, and the other eight grown through the ages. A kitsune's greatest power is that of illusion; they are able to trick a human into seeing almost anything. Because of this ability, they are regarded as playful tricksters in many stories.
Some legends say that once a person has won the trust of a kitsune, it will be difficult for others to convince that kitsune otherwise. They are extremely loyal to those they trust, and would often do anything for those people.
Some legends say that once a person has won the trust of a kitsune, it will be difficult for others to convince that kitsune otherwise. They are extremely loyal to those they trust, and would often do anything for those people.
Lunarians
The Lunarians (月人, tsukibito lit. Moon People) are the people living on or coming from the moon. They resemble humans in most ways, and are classified as human in Perfect Memento. Lunarians naturally live much longer lives though, and are even said to live forever. They possess some of the most advanced technology that there is and are supposedly, according to Kaguya, the originators of magic.
Magicians
Magicians (魔法使い, mahotsukai or 魔女, majo) in the world of Gensokyo are powerful beings that have the ability to learn and practice any type of magic that exists in the world. Most magical beings can use only the innate magical power that they were born with, but magicians can develop any power they wish after studying and analyzing it.
"Natural" magicians are a subclass of youkai, and inherit this unique ability as being part of the magician race. Human magicians are not born with this special ability, but instead have practiced and trained to master the skill of a magician. However, human magicians must work much harder than natural-born magicians to achieve the same results.
A magician's home is usually filled with books, notes, or artifacts, due to the amount of studying and work required to learn any type of spell. Because of this, magicians are generally seen as indoor-loving, bookish types of people.
"Natural" magicians are a subclass of youkai, and inherit this unique ability as being part of the magician race. Human magicians are not born with this special ability, but instead have practiced and trained to master the skill of a magician. However, human magicians must work much harder than natural-born magicians to achieve the same results.
A magician's home is usually filled with books, notes, or artifacts, due to the amount of studying and work required to learn any type of spell. Because of this, magicians are generally seen as indoor-loving, bookish types of people.
Maids
A Maid (メイド, meido) refers to any being that is hired to serve a household. Duties include attending to the occupants of the house, preparing food for owners and guests alike, cleaning and maintaining the house and surrounding property, and in Gensokyo, acting as bodyguards against intruders. They are usually dressed in a French maid uniform, for inexplicable reasons.
Monks
Buddhist monks (僧侶, soryo) are different to European monks in many different ways. Monks usually live in monasteries and temples. If a candidate wishes to become a Buddhist monk, they must complete a test. If they pass, they stay in their temple. If they do not pass, they are to leave. Locals generally give food to monks, however, monks are not allowed to ask for anything. Monks live an ascetic life without the use money.
Some monasteries and temples accept female candidates however they are not called monks, they are nuns. Nuns are treated equally among males with respect. In appearance, monks are bald and wear long robes.
Some monasteries and temples accept female candidates however they are not called monks, they are nuns. Nuns are treated equally among males with respect. In appearance, monks are bald and wear long robes.
Nekomata
According to Japanese folklore, a cat that has lived for a long time can become a kind of youkai called a Nekomata (猫叉, nekomata). It was believed that after a cat reached ten years of age, its tail would slowly split into two tails, and, along the way, it would develop magic powers, primarily those of necromancy and shamanism. Nekomata also have an ability to shape shift into a human form and are generally hostile to humans.
Oni
Oni (鬼, oni lit. Little Demon) are fabulous creatures from Japanese folklore, similar to Western demons or ogres. They are almost always depicted as beings with incredible strength and power; physically, two long horns are said to grow from their heads. The earliest folktales of oni generally described them as benevolent creatures able to ward off evil and punish the wicked. However, over time, oni began to be seen as cruel, malevolent creatures, content only to destroy.
In the world of Gensokyo, oni are generally jolly and love to drink, feast, and compete with humans in any kind of contest, from simple physical fighting to drinking games. Long ago, when an oni found a human that they liked, they tempted that human into challenging them in any way the human desired. Should the human lose, they were abducted. Because normal humans were nowhere near an oni's level of ability, humans resorted to sneaky underhanded tactics in order to beat the oni. Tired of being tricked and killed all the time, the oni swore off humans forever and left for a place beyond human reach, or so the legend says.
In the world of Gensokyo, oni are generally jolly and love to drink, feast, and compete with humans in any kind of contest, from simple physical fighting to drinking games. Long ago, when an oni found a human that they liked, they tempted that human into challenging them in any way the human desired. Should the human lose, they were abducted. Because normal humans were nowhere near an oni's level of ability, humans resorted to sneaky underhanded tactics in order to beat the oni. Tired of being tricked and killed all the time, the oni swore off humans forever and left for a place beyond human reach, or so the legend says.
Phantoms
Phantoms (幽霊, yurei) are spirit entities often confused with ghosts. However, all ghosts are the spirits of dead people, whereas phantoms may not be; many are born as phantoms from the start. Conversely, multiple phantoms can come from one body and they may originate from beings other than humans. Phantoms possess some common characteristics, being intangible and known for their freezing temperature which can be used to one's advantage in hot weather. These are the blobby white "ghosts" that populate the Netherworld as well as other realms and systems of the afterlife.
Poltergeists
A Poltergeist (騒霊, sōrei) is a being very similar to a ghost, and is often seen announcing its presence by introducing disorder. They are able to remotely manipulate objects. They can also manifest themselves visibly, audibly and solidly to the material world (it is assumed that not all ghost-like beings have such an ability).
Poltergeists seem to have a talent for discovering and causing the kind of interference that will raise the greatest commotion in any sane situation.
Speculatively speaking, their talent with interference potential may be what allowed the Prismriver sisters to become famous as the Phantom Ensemble. They make music that strikes all the right nerves in the audience.
Poltergeists seem to have a talent for discovering and causing the kind of interference that will raise the greatest commotion in any sane situation.
Speculatively speaking, their talent with interference potential may be what allowed the Prismriver sisters to become famous as the Phantom Ensemble. They make music that strikes all the right nerves in the audience.
Rabbits
In the world of Gensokyo, Rabbits (兎, usagi) living in Gensokyo seem to be able to cast attack magic naturally. Also, a rabbit can become a type of youkai after existing for a long period of time, gaining sentience and increased abilities in the process.
There are also Moon Rabbits (月の兎, tsuki no usagi) who seem to be more powerful overall than normal rabbits. Moon rabbits can communicate telepathically between each other across extremely long distances (like from the Moon to the Earth). The use of rabbits as part of the Moon's population comes from ancient tales in East Asia, possibly related to the fact that ancient Japanese people saw a rabbit in the moon pounding mochi.
There are also Moon Rabbits (月の兎, tsuki no usagi) who seem to be more powerful overall than normal rabbits. Moon rabbits can communicate telepathically between each other across extremely long distances (like from the Moon to the Earth). The use of rabbits as part of the Moon's population comes from ancient tales in East Asia, possibly related to the fact that ancient Japanese people saw a rabbit in the moon pounding mochi.
Saints
A Saint (聖人, seijin) is referred as an important person with a high level of holiness. Different religions have different views to saints, however all religions know them as holy people. There are Christian saints, Hindu saints, Orthodox saints, Catholic saints and many other saints.
Saints are depicted to have 7 different traits: they are exemplary models, they are outstanding teachers, they possess a kind and amazing power, they are intercessors, they are extremely dedicated to life, they live a life often refusing material attachments or comforts and wield a special thing representing their holiness.
Saints are depicted to have 7 different traits: they are exemplary models, they are outstanding teachers, they possess a kind and amazing power, they are intercessors, they are extremely dedicated to life, they live a life often refusing material attachments or comforts and wield a special thing representing their holiness.
Shikigami
Shikigami (式神, shikigami) is the term used for the summoned spirits of an "onmyouji", a Japanese sorcerer. Shikigami are used to protect and serve their master, much like the Western concept of the wizard's familiar. There are many types of shikigami described in legend, the most common type being enchanted paper cutouts that can produce the illusion of another real-life object. The type of shikigami seen in the Gensokyo world are distinct entities, not initially created by the onmyouji that, through some circumstances, have agreed to or have been bound to assist the onmyouji.
Shikigami often share a special link to their masters, which may cause their onmyouji to receive sympathetic injuries dealt to the shikigami. Because of this link and the enormous amount of energy needed to maintain shikigami, onmyouji do not usually summon more than one or two shikigami at a time.
Shikigami often share a special link to their masters, which may cause their onmyouji to receive sympathetic injuries dealt to the shikigami. Because of this link and the enormous amount of energy needed to maintain shikigami, onmyouji do not usually summon more than one or two shikigami at a time.
Shinigami
The role of a Shinigami (死神, shinigami lit. Death Gods) may seem similar in certain ways to that of the Grim Reaper in western folklore. In Gensokyo, that means bringing souls to the Yama (or Enma) Eiki Shiki. Gensokyo's only known shinigami, Komachi Onozuka, ferries souls to the Higan.
While Komachi is a ferryman of the Sanzu, not all shinigami occupy this position. For good reason, most people assume their life is over at the sight of a shinigami, but only a few are actually charged with taking the souls of the expired. These shinigami may be fought with just as any other creature, allowing stronger youkai to continually prolong their lifespan. Celestials are notorious for this, disguising their victory as guaranteed immortality.
While Komachi is a ferryman of the Sanzu, not all shinigami occupy this position. For good reason, most people assume their life is over at the sight of a shinigami, but only a few are actually charged with taking the souls of the expired. These shinigami may be fought with just as any other creature, allowing stronger youkai to continually prolong their lifespan. Celestials are notorious for this, disguising their victory as guaranteed immortality.
Shrine Maiden
The term Shrine Maiden (巫女 or 神子, pronounced miko) refers specifically to altar girls of the Shinto religion. They live and work in a Shinto shrine (a "jinja" in Japanese). Shrine maidens are generally virgins and take various rites of purity and chastity, and undergo various forms of physical and mental training. They also practice sealing and purification rituals, which are highly form-based and symbolic, and are used to bless, purify, or exorcise evil spirits.
A shrine maiden's main tool, or possibly simply the most popular one, is a stick with elaborately folded paper on the end, known as a "gohei". Other common tools are small rectangular papers used for sealing, called "o-fuda"; these are elaborately painted with various mystical symbols and rites of sealing.
A shrine maiden's main tool, or possibly simply the most popular one, is a stick with elaborately folded paper on the end, known as a "gohei". Other common tools are small rectangular papers used for sealing, called "o-fuda"; these are elaborately painted with various mystical symbols and rites of sealing.
Vampires
Vampires (吸血鬼 Kyūketsuki) are among the least popular non-human creatures living in Gensokyo. They are usually self-centered, enjoy provoking strangers, drink the blood of humans, and specialize in creating disasters that affect the entirety of Gensokyo.
They are the beneficiaries of great physical enhancement as well as magical power. However, they do have several weaknesses, among them sunlight, running water, and broken holly branches.
They are kept in check by an agreement with youkai that states they cannot attack humans living in Gensokyo.
They are the beneficiaries of great physical enhancement as well as magical power. However, they do have several weaknesses, among them sunlight, running water, and broken holly branches.
They are kept in check by an agreement with youkai that states they cannot attack humans living in Gensokyo.
Wind Priestesses
Wind Priestesses (風祝, Kazehouri) are devotees of the Wind God who use their powers to create miracles such as summoning wind and rain. Eventually, people around them have mistaken the miracles caused by the Wind God to have been caused by the wind priestesses. In addition, as keepers of secrets, they began to accrue faith and be treated as gods, even though they were humans. They became living gods.
Yama/Enma
The Yama (閻魔), also called Enma (閻魔 or えんま) in Japan, is the Buddhist equivalent of the Hindu Yama. This is the judge of the deceased that decides who goes where after death. According to Buddhism, there are ten Yama for each hell, but Eiki Shiki is the only known one in Gensokyo. Yama can look into the past deeds of any person, and it is said that no one can pass through their sermons without being scolded.
Youkai
Youkai (妖怪, youkai) is a term mostly associated with Japanese folk creatures and ghosts. The term can also apply broadly to anything that is a supernatural being or legend, from any culture. Because there are thousands of stories of magical beings around the world, the different types of youkai are endless. Fairies, vampires, oni, and nekomata can all be found in Gensokyo. Alternatively, it is a common Japanese belief that after a certain amount of time, ordinary objects and animals gain life and personality, becoming a kind of youkai as well. In some cases even a normal human can become a youkai under the right conditions.
Gensokyo youkai tend to live within the wilderness, far away from human settlements. Normal youkai seem to behave like wild animals, attacking humans within their territory on sight. Exceptional youkai are less common, but they often enjoy speaking to humans, and are much stronger than an ordinary Gensokyo human, one on one. These youkai are almost always humanoid in appearance, and can be quite unpredictable; friendly one moment, hostile the next. The most notable of these youkai are Yukari Yakumo, Yumeji Fujiwara, and Yuuka Kazami.
Many, though not all, youkai are known to eat humans on occasion, if not on a regular basis. Many youkai are also stronger and live longer than an average human, with lifespans often reaching into hundreds of years (or possibly many more in some cases). One common trait often seen among youkai is a weakness to various faith based and spiritual attacks, charms, wards, etc. In Gensokyo it's therefore natural for the resident shrine maiden to become involved whenever there's trouble being caused by a youkai.
However, despite the danger certain youkai present, humans and youkai can and do live together. Some, such as Yukari Yakumo, are even helpful to humans. Deciding if a youkai is harmful to humans or not must be done on a case by case basis.
It seems that youkai, like fairies, may not be able to die permanently; Kogasa Tatara, Reimu Hakurei and others regularly discuss "extermination" of youkai as if it were only a temporary measure. While this may be merely a quirk of language, it seems like Gensokyo's humans would rather do away with many youkai completely, were they able.
Gensokyo youkai tend to live within the wilderness, far away from human settlements. Normal youkai seem to behave like wild animals, attacking humans within their territory on sight. Exceptional youkai are less common, but they often enjoy speaking to humans, and are much stronger than an ordinary Gensokyo human, one on one. These youkai are almost always humanoid in appearance, and can be quite unpredictable; friendly one moment, hostile the next. The most notable of these youkai are Yukari Yakumo, Yumeji Fujiwara, and Yuuka Kazami.
Many, though not all, youkai are known to eat humans on occasion, if not on a regular basis. Many youkai are also stronger and live longer than an average human, with lifespans often reaching into hundreds of years (or possibly many more in some cases). One common trait often seen among youkai is a weakness to various faith based and spiritual attacks, charms, wards, etc. In Gensokyo it's therefore natural for the resident shrine maiden to become involved whenever there's trouble being caused by a youkai.
However, despite the danger certain youkai present, humans and youkai can and do live together. Some, such as Yukari Yakumo, are even helpful to humans. Deciding if a youkai is harmful to humans or not must be done on a case by case basis.
It seems that youkai, like fairies, may not be able to die permanently; Kogasa Tatara, Reimu Hakurei and others regularly discuss "extermination" of youkai as if it were only a temporary measure. While this may be merely a quirk of language, it seems like Gensokyo's humans would rather do away with many youkai completely, were they able.