Oni

Japanese folklore · demons · mythology

Hulking horn-headed beings. Oni are massive demons with one or more horns, huge teeth, and sometimes a third eye in the middle of their forehead. They typically have red, blue, black, or yellow skin and wear loincloths made of tiger pelt.

Thunder and lightning powers. Oni are believed to command the forces of thunder and lightning, making them even more fearsome. They live in mountain caves or in the depths of hell, far away from regular people.

Master shape-shifters. One of oni's most dangerous tricks is their ability to change their appearance completely to trick humans into trusting them. They can look like men or women, regardless of what they really are.

Superhuman strength giants. Oni possess incredible strength far beyond normal humans and carry massive iron clubs called kanabō as weapons. They have three to six fingers and toes on each hand and foot, tipped with claw-like nails.

Bringers of good fortune. Despite their scary nature and association with evil, oni have also been linked to bringing good fortune and wealth to people in some stories.