Big Book of Mythology (Yokai Edition)

Jorōgumo

Translation: Binding (Entangling) Bride

Other names: Golden-orb weaver, Whore Spider

Type: Animal

Preference: Okayama/Miyagi/Shizuoka/Edo Period

Habitat: Houses, cities, caves

Diet: Flesh

Danger zone: Red (Avoid)

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About Jorōgumo:
This yokai is the reason why I'm still afraid of spiders. Jorōgumo (aka. Binding Bride) is a well-known arachnid yokai that can change her appearance into a seductive woman. Her name comes from the Nephila, which is a real kind of spider.

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Appearance:
Jorōgumo can change her appearance from a spider to a normal, young woman, but even in this form, a spider is still seen in a reflection of rivers and mirrors. Her body can size average between two to three centimeters long, but can grow much larger as she age. She is renowned by for her large size, vivid colors, the web she builds, and the destruction she causes. But how can you tell if she is a Jorōgumo? Check in mirrors and rivers around her; even in her "beautiful woman" form, her reflection still shows a giant spider.

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Behavior/Interaction:
Jorōgumo builds her nest in caves, forests, or empty houses and feeds on birds (sometimes) and young men looking for love. If she sees a man that she likes, she'll invite him to her home by enticing them with music, then binding them with a web so strong to ensure a grown man doesn't escape. She also has a powerful poison that can weaken a man slowly day after day, allowing her to savor the long, painful death of her victims.

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Abilities:
• Human Disguise: Can change her appearance from a spider to a beautiful woman.

• Spider Physiology: Can use the abilities of a spider (since she's already a spider).

• Musical Spell Casting: Can entrance her victims so she can capture them easily.

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Targets:
Young men

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Escape plan?
Good luck finding a way to escape this thing.

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Origin story: 
One story tells of a man who was cutting wood and somehow lost his axe in the river. A beautiful woman (probably Jorōgumo) returned it to him and told him not to tell anyone about her. He didn't keep his promise and ended up telling someone about her. He then fell asleep and never woke up.

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NOPE Rating:
5/5