A fairy-like being symbolizing darkness in Korean tradition. Eodukshini appears in darkness similar to Geusundae, but rather than causing direct harm, it has a mischievous personality that enjoys startling people. It loves receiving attention, growing larger when people look at it and shrinking to disappear when ignored. Essentially considered a phantom created by the human mind, it's a philosophically meaningful yokai symbolizing psychological fear of darkness. While Geusundae is an 'evil spirit' that directly harms people, Eodukshini is more like a 'fairy' that simply startles people.
Initially appears as small darkness or shadow-like forms. Grows larger into a giant dark silhouette when people stare at it, but shrinks again when they look away or look down at it. Has no clear form and appears like moving darkness itself. When looked down upon from above, it gradually shrinks and eventually disappears.
Mainly tries to attract people's attention in dark places. Grows larger and more intimidating when people stare at it, but actually causes no harm. Quickly disappears when ignored or when people look away. Shrinks even faster when looked down upon from above. Essentially a lonely being that just wants attention.
Story of a fairy-like being that appears in darkness to startle people but is actually harmless
Eodukshini is a yokai symbolizing psychological fear of darkness in Korean tradition. First recorded during the Goryeo period and established as a yokai during the Joseon period. While having similar origins to Geusundae, they have completely different personalities - while Geusundae is an evil spirit that directly harms people, Eodukshini is more like a fairy that only startles. It enjoys receiving attention and grows larger when people stare, but quickly shrinks and disappears when ignored or when people look away. It shrinks even faster when looked down upon from above. Essentially considered a phantom created by the human mind, it carries philosophical meaning about overcoming psychological fear of darkness. In modern interpretation, it can be seen as the personification of vague fear of darkness itself.
Human psychological fear and imagination regarding darkness
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