Kappa (folklore)
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The Kappa (aka Kawatarou, Kawako, Kawaranbe, Gatarō) is a character in Japanese folklore. It is water sprite that is responsible for mischief. It is said to be the size of a 6 to 10 year old boy and have the body of a tortoise and an ape-like head. The most distinguishing feature is the hole in its head that holds the kappa's strength giving water. They are said to live off of blood and to drain the life out of people. They are known for innocent pranks such as theft, but it is also associated with raping women and eating children. It is said that the only things kappas enjoy more than children are cucumbers. To write a name on a cucumber and to throw it into a river is said to save that person from being eaten by the kappa. If you are approached by a kappa, bow to it and if it returns the bow then the water in its head will drain and it will be forced to return to the water.
[change] Sources
Mark Schumacher (2004). Kappa -- River Imp or Sprite.
