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The Kappa

From: http://www.cryptomundo.com/cryptozoo-news/the-kappa-of-tono/

Mar 19, 2011

The Kappa is one of many types of water imps featured in Japanese folklore said to inhabit the lakes and rivers of this island nation. The appearance of Kappa varies from tradition to tradition and area to area, however they are typically described as being the size of a child of 6 to 10 years of age and resembling a cross between a turtle, monkey, and lizard. Kappa are often depicted as having a shell on their backs, similar to a turtle’s, and having a beak like mouth.

One of the most prominent features that is shared throughout all Kappa folklore is the presence of a bowl on the top of the head, which is said to contain a liquid that gives the Kappa its supernatural strength. When confronted by an angry Kappa, the best way to defeat it is to have it bow, upon which the liquid will spill and weaken it.

Kappa are most often described as being malevolent entities, with a penchant for mischief and violence. They are said to molest women as well as harass travelers and challenge passerby to sumo matches. In the darker tales, Kappa are represented as murderous monsters which attack humans, cattle, and horses, pulling them to their deaths below the water and sucking the blood or life force from their bodies to leave a lifeless husk. It is said that one should not venture to the water’s edge alone lest you be the victim of a Kappa attack.

Despite this ferocious and rather unappealing image, Kappa are said to have a benevolent side as well. For instance, they display a great talent for medicine and particularly bone setting, and it is said if a Kappa is captured it will offer its services to its captor.

Kappa purportedly abhor metal and loud noises, and love cucumber to the point of obsession. This craving for cucumber is supposedly so strong that Kappa will do anything to get it, and many residents of Kappa infested areas would carry cucumber with them in the hopes of bribing the beasts into leaving them alone or even procuring their medical talents.