If you’ve ever watched a Studio Ghibli film, chances are you’ve been enchanted by its quirky and endearing creatures. From the soot spirits in Spirited Away to the dust sprites in My Neighbor Totoro, these mystical beings are unforgettable, leaving many viewers wishing they could adopt one as a pet. But here’s the twist — these creatures aren’t just figments of Miyazaki’s imagination. They draw from Japan’s rich folklore, which in turn is influenced by a much larger and even more fantastical tradition: China’s Shan Hai Jing (Classic of Mountains and Seas).

So why are the Japanese so obsessed with mythical creatures? The answer might lie in their religious beliefs and cultural history.

The Roots of Japanese Mythology

While Japan has been deeply influenced by Chinese culture, its native Shinto religion celebrates polytheism, which has given rise to an incredibly rich variety of mythical beings — from gods to ghosts and everything in between. The Japanese believe that everything, even the most mundane things like dew in the morning, has a spirit. This belief might be why Miyazaki’s films are teeming with such diverse creatures, each embodying both human and supernatural characteristics. These creatures don’t fit neatly into categories of good and evil; instead, they’re often complex, with both light and dark aspects.

Here are some of the most iconic mythological beings that have captured the hearts of anime lovers around the world.

1. From Japanese Folklore: The Familiar Faces

In Spirited Away, the character Yubaba is based on the Tengu, a powerful creature from Japanese folklore. Known for its large nose, red face, and ability to fly, the Tengu was once seen as a divine being before it became a mischievous half-god, half-demon figure. Similarly, the soot sprites in Totoro are inspired by “Mei-Mai” from folklore, spirits who love to hide in dark corners and can only be seen by children with pure hearts.

Meanwhile, Princess Mononoke’s wood spirits are rooted in the “Mizuchi” or water spirits, ancient beings that protect the natural world. These characters, like many from Miyazaki’s world, blur the line between cuteness and eeriness, making us both terrified and fascinated.

2. Sci-Fi Creatures with a Touch of Fantasy

Miyazaki’s work is not only rooted in folklore but also embraces the world of science fiction. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, for example, introduces us to the Ohmu, giant insect-like creatures with multiple eyes that represent the delicate balance of nature. These beings seem to carry a wisdom far beyond human comprehension, hinting at humanity’s fragile relationship with the environment.

Then there’s the God Warrior from Nausicaä, a destructive artificial creature that symbolizes mankind’s reckless use of power. These creatures often carry deep philosophical themes, exploring what it means to tamper with nature.

3. Mythical Beasts from Foreign Legends

Miyazaki doesn’t shy away from mixing influences from around the world. Howl’s Moving Castle features the fire demon Calcifer, which could easily be traced back to European mythology, while the titular character of Ponyo is inspired by a blend of Western and Eastern folklore. The character’s transformation from a fish to a human is a direct nod to ancient mythological themes of transformation and the fluidity between the animal and human worlds.

4. China’s Shan Hai Jing: A Monster Menagerie

While Japan’s creatures are fascinating, there’s an even greater treasure trove of mythical beings from China’s Shan Hai Jing, a text that is as much a geography book as a mythological catalog. The creatures in this ancient text include everything from the Xiāng, a bird with the body of a human, to the Bìhuǒ, a fire-breathing dragon. And let’s not forget the Fúxī, a human-headed bird who has the power to predict the future — sounds like a creature that could easily find a home in a Ghibli film, right?

The Shan Hai Jing has even inspired filmmakers like Stephen Chow, who brought these strange and wonderful creatures to life in films like Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons. If China’s mythical monsters were ever given the anime treatment, they might just outshine Japan’s spirit creatures. Imagine a world where dragons with multiple heads and fish-like creatures with human faces take center stage — it would be a beastly masterpiece!

Conclusion: The Future of Mythical Creatures

As we explore the fantastical worlds of Japanese anime and Chinese mythology, it’s clear that these legendary creatures share common roots in humanity’s fascination with the unknown. Whether through Miyazaki’s Ghibli films or the ancient Shan Hai Jing, these creatures continue to capture our imaginations, proving that the more bizarre and fantastical a monster is, the more we’re drawn to it.

Who knows? With a little more cinematic magic, the creatures from China’s Shan Hai Jing might just be the next big thing in anime. Until then, we can continue to dream of adopting our very own soot sprite or wood spirit — who knows, they might even be out there, waiting for the right child to see them!