Oni

Oni are creatures from Ania, similar to Western demons such as ogres and trolls. Most oni live in Gurenn, but they can be found all over Ania. They have the same rights as human beings, although most of them are found guilty for serious crimes onr time or another.

Appearance

Appearances of oni vary widely but they usually are hideous, gigantic creatures with sharp claws, wild hair, and two long horns growing from their heads. They are humanoid for the most part, but occasionally, they have unnatural features such as odd numbers of eyes or extra fingers and toes. Their skin may be any number of colors, but red and blue are particularly common. Their fierce appearance is only enhanced by the tiger-skin loincloths they tend to wear and the iron clubs they favor, called kanabō. This image leads to the expression "oni with an iron club", that is, to be invincible or undefeatable. It can also be used in the sense of "strong beyond strong", or having one's natural quality enhanced or supplemented by the use of some tool.

Traditional culture

Some villages hold yearly ceremonies to drive away oni, particularly at the beginning of Spring. Monkey statues are also thought to guard against oni.