Yaoguai
Supernatural beings of Chinese folklore, weird and dangerous.
Yaoguai (Chinese: 妖怪; pinyin: yāoguài) are a broad and diverse class of ambiguous creatures in Chinese folklore and mythology, defined by supernatural powers and attributes that partake of the weird, strange, or unnatural. They are especially associated with transformation and enchantment, often dwelling in remote areas or on the fringes of civilization, where they produce unexplainable phenomena and mischief. While not evil in the Western sense, they are usually weird and dangerous, exerting a baleful influence on mankind.
- Field
- Chinese folklore and mythology
- Nationality
- Chinese
- Known for
- Supernatural powers, shapeshifting, enchantment, malevolent tendencies
- Type
- Ambiguous creatures
- Associated phenomena
- Strange occurrences, disease, unexplained murders
Lore & Background
Yaoguai vary considerably in appearance and powers, including shapeshifting, creating illusions, hypnosis, mind control, causing disease, clairvoyance, and draining life force. They are not evil like Western demons but are dangerous and baleful. In superstitious times, confusion, disease, eerie sights, strange sounds, and unexplained murders were attributed to them, reflected in the folk saying 'extraordinary occurrences are due to the yao.'
Reader's Guide
Yaoguai are distinguished from other supernatural beings in Chinese folklore such as gui (ghosts), guai (strange monsters), mo (demons), and xie (spiritually deviant beings). They arise from anomalous qi, absorption of cosmic energy over long time, deliberate cultivation, or disturbances to the moral and cosmic order. Examples include chimei (wilderness demons from aberrant qi), wangliang (rock and tree demons), and wangxiang (water demons). Classical types appear in Shenmo and Zhiguai literature. In modern times, yaoguai are popular in Chinese fiction, movies, comics, and video games.
Did You Know?
- The phrase 'yao mo gui guai' means all varieties of supernatural beings and can be used as a metaphor for bad people.
- Some yaoguai arise from anomalous qi, such as chimei born from aberrant qi in mountains and forests.
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