Mokumokuren (目目連 )
The only way to rid a dwelling of a Mokumokuren is to meticulously patch up the holes in the walls, denying them the entry points they crave.
The mysterious Mokumokuren spirits are believed to dwell within the torn shoji, traditional Japanese paper sliding walls, and can also be found in tatami floor mats or within the very fabric of walls.
Their name, “Mokumokuren,” directly translates to “many eyes” or “continuous eyes,” alluding to their unique and eerie characteristic.
These spectral beings have become an integral part of Japanese folklore, often associated with haunted houses. According to legend, the only way to rid a dwelling of a Mokumokuren is to meticulously patch up the holes in the walls, denying them the entry points they crave.
One popular account traces the origins of the Mokumokuren back to a stingy traveling merchant who sought to save money by taking shelter in an abandoned house instead of staying at an inn. As he slumbered through the night, he abruptly awoke to a startling sight — an almost complete shoji screen fixated on him, its multiple eyes fixated upon his presence.
Surprisingly, the merchant’s fear was replaced by cunning, and he daringly plucked the eyeballs from the screen. He went on to sell them to a local eye surgeon, demonstrating a resourcefulness born out of frugality.
In another chilling tale, a traveler, undeterred by the presence of a Mokumokuren, stubbornly decided to spend the night in the very same house. In an attempt to ignore the spirit’s watchful gaze, he wrapped his head tightly with a blanket while he slept.
However, upon awakening, he was stricken with horror to discover that his own eyes had been mercilessly plucked from their sockets, leaving him blind and bewildered, with no trace of his missing orbs to be found.
These accounts, passed down through generations, contribute to the enigmatic nature of the Mokumokuren spirits. Their haunting presence serves as a cautionary tale, reminding individuals of the consequences that may befall those who dare to dismiss or disrespect the ethereal realm.
The stories surrounding the Mokumokuren continue to captivate and intrigue, emphasizing the importance of respect and preservation when encountering the supernatural forces that reside within the hidden corners of the world.
©Emika Oka
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Source
目目連 - Wikipedia
目目連 (もくもくれん)とは【ピクシブ百科事典】 (pixiv.net)
妖怪「目目連」の伝承・正体 (ayakashi-web.com)