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Gashadokuro
Giant skeletons made from the bones of those who died from starvation or in battle without proper burial. They roam at midnight, catching lone travelers, biting off their heads, and drinking their blood.
Ancient - Present
Japan
1000+ witnesses
The Gashadokuro is Japan’s giant starving skeleton.
The Legend
According to Japanese folklore:
Gashadokuro are:
- Massive skeletons
- Fifteen times human height
- Made of countless bones
- Those who died of starvation
- Or unburied battle dead
Creation
They form when:
- Mass deaths occur
- Bodies are not buried
- Spirits combine
- Hunger and anger merge
- Giant skeleton rises
The Hunt
They attack by:
- Roaming at midnight
- Stalking lone travelers
- Biting off heads
- Drinking spurting blood
- Leaving nothing
Warning Signs
Before they appear:
- Ringing in your ears
- Sudden silence
- Feeling of dread
- Temperature drops
- Dogs won’t stop barking
Famous Origin
Most famous story:
- Princess Takiyasha
- After her father’s defeat
- Summoned gashadokuro
- From fallen warriors
- Attacked the capital
No Defense
You cannot:
- Fight them
- Outrun them
- Hide from them
- Ward them off
- Only survive until dawn