Japan’s rich folklore is home to countless fascinating and mysterious beings, known as yokai. Among them, the Nue stands out for its eerie cry and bizarre appearance. Believed to bring misfortune, the Nue was feared during the Heian period, and its legends have continued to intrigue people for centuries.
This article dives into the origins, appearance, and cultural impact of the Nue. We’ll also explore how this enigmatic yokai has been brought to life in the video game Nioh 2.
What Is the Nue?
What is Nue?
The Origin of the Nue’s Name and Legend
The Nue’s name is thought to derive from its distinctive cry, described as “hyo-hyo.” It is featured in The Tale of the Heike, one of Japan’s oldest historical accounts, where it is portrayed as a harbinger of disaster.
The Heian Period’s Nue Encounter
During the Heian period, the Nue was said to haunt the rooftops of the imperial palace, causing fear and unrest. Its presence was believed to foreshadow calamities, prompting priests and warriors to perform rituals or hunt it down. One of the most famous legends tells of the warrior Minamoto no Yorimasa slaying a Nue and restoring peace to the capital.
The Appearance of the Nue
The Nue is described as a creature with a monkey’s face, a tiger’s body, a snake’s tail, and the wings of a hawk. This unsettling combination of features contributed to its reputation as a fearsome and unnatural being.
The Nue’s Cry and Its Impact
The Eerie “Hyo-Hyo” of the Nue
The Nue’s cry, described as “hyo-hyo,” pierced the silence of the night, unsettling those who heard it. Heian-era residents feared it as a sign of impending disaster. Priests would perform prayers and rituals to ward off the Nue’s influence and protect the community from harm.
Symbolism Behind the Nue’s Cry
The Nue’s haunting sound symbolized the fears of the unknown. For the people of the Heian period, it embodied the dangers lurking in the natural world and the supernatural forces that were believed to shape their lives.
In Izu area, they have a festival called Nuebarai matsuri.
In the festival, people defeat the Nue.
The Nue in Nioh 2
The Nue’s Design and Role in the Game
In the action RPG Nioh 2, the Nue is brought to life with stunning detail. Its design stays true to the legends, featuring the iconic combination of animal traits. It serves as a challenging enemy, testing players’ skills with its unique attacks and movements.
Battling the Nue in Nioh 2
The Nue is known for its mastery of lightning-based attacks, which can strike players from a distance. To defeat it, players must carefully study its patterns and equip themselves with items or armor that resist lightning damage. Triumphing over the Nue rewards valuable items and a sense of accomplishment.
Yokai Nue Q&A
- QWhat does the Nue’s cry symbolize?
- A
In Heian-era Japan, the Nue’s cry was seen as a warning of misfortune or disaster.
- QWhere can players encounter the Nue in Nioh 2?
- A
The Nue appears in several stages, typically in areas where players face supernatural challenges.
Conclusion
The Nue is one of Japan’s most iconic yokai, remembered for its eerie “hyo-hyo” cry and its unsettling combination of animal features. Feared in ancient times, it continues to capture the imagination through folklore and modern interpretations, such as its role in Nioh 2.
Whether you’re interested in yokai lore or a gamer seeking to learn more about the creatures in Nioh 2, the Nue is a fascinating subject worth exploring!
A lot of Yokai appear in Nioh & Nioh2.
If you are interested in Yokai, you may love these games!
Let’s play!
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