Akkorokamui

Akkorokamui is a gigantic octopus-like monster from Ainu folklore. It is similar to the Nordic kraken. According to the stories, this amazing creature lives deep in Uchiura Bay in Hokkaido.

The Ainu people have told stories about Akkorokamui for many years.

It is said that Akkorokamui can grow very big — as large as one hectare, which is about 100 meters across. These stories show how people imagined huge sea monsters living in the deep waters. The legend of Akkorokamui still captures the imagination of many people today.

Nomenclature

In the Ainu language, the word at-koro-guru means "octopus." This describes something with thin strands or tentacles. The name at-kor-kamuy means "kamuy which has strings (tentacles)." Sometimes, people write the monster's name in kanji as 大章魚. This usually means "giant octopus."

Another word for "octopus" in Ainu is atuina or atui-[i]nau, meaning "sea-inau." Stories about this sea monster have been shared for many years. They have different titles like atui-na or akkorokamui. Some tell the tale as "Adoi-inau", the wood-nusa of the sea.

Legend

In the stories from the Iburi area, Akkorokamui is a giant octopus that rules Funka Bay, also called Uchiura Bay. People say this monster can grow very big, as large as 1 chō. It was believed to be so huge that it could swallow a whole ship! Sailors watched closely for groups of amberjacks and carried a big hook to keep safe.

There are many tales about how Akkorokamui began. One story says it started as a giant spider named yauskep that harmed a village. With help from magical spirits and a sea god, the spider changed into an octopus and went to live in Funka Bay. Another tale speaks of a goddess who lost her special belt in the sea after a bear hurt her; the belt then became the giant octopus.

Rātoshikamui

A giant octopus called Rātoshikamui appears in Ainu stories. It was known as the strongest creature of the sea. It once faced off against a giant bird named huri kamui, the strongest on land. They met at the mouth of the Ishikari River. The bird pecked at the octopus's tentacles, and the octopus tried to pull the bird into the water. Neither could win, so they ended in a draw. This battle is said to be why the area near the river is called "Ishikari."

Similar creatures

In stories from Funka Bay, there is a giant sea creature called the atuy kakura. It looks like a huge sea cucumber. People say it changed from a woman's clothing. It can flip over fishing boats that come too close.

Another legend tells of the repun ekas, a sea monster called the “old man of the deep sea.” In the story, this monster once swallowed eight whales. Two fishermen were swallowed too. They started a bonfire inside the monster, and it made the monster spit them out.

In Shinto

The Ainu people's stories about Akkorokamui have influenced Shinto. In Shinto, Akkorokamui is seen as a minor kami, or spirit. Though it can sometimes cause harm, Akkorokamui is also thought to have the power to heal and share wisdom. People show respect to Akkorokamui by giving offerings such as fish and crab. They hope for healing, especially for problems with limbs or skin.

Akkorokamui is believed to have the special ability to regrow lost limbs, similar to real octopuses. This ability is linked to its healing powers in Shinto beliefs. By honoring Akkorokamui, followers hope to receive healing and spiritual strength.

In popular culture

In the Bob's Burgers episode "Flu-ouise", Louise Belcher has toys named after Japanese legendary creatures. One toy is an octopus called Akkoro Kamui. In Louise's dream, Akkoro Kamui sounds like her mother, Linda. The character also appears in The Bob's Burgers Movie.