Geusundae
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Basic Information
Threat Assessment
Overview
A representative yokai symbolizing darkness in Korean tradition. Geusundae derives its name from 'shade' and 'new moon,' meaning 'a giant presence standing in darkness.' It initially appears as a child in dark places to lure people, then suddenly transforms into a shadow form that grows larger to threaten or harm people. It's a conditionally immortal yokai - when in shadow form, it cannot be defeated by physical attacks and actually grows larger each time it's attacked. Since it cannot exert power without darkness, it can be repelled by torches or multiple people with lights.
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Characteristics & Behavior
Physical Description
Initially appears as a seemingly harmless child, but when revealing its true form, becomes a giant shadow. The darker it gets, the clearer and larger it becomes, appearing as a black silhouette with unclear outlines. It grows progressively larger each time it's attacked, creating intimidation.
Behavior Pattern
Mainly active at night in dark places, initially luring people in child form. Suddenly transforms into shadow form to frighten or harm people. Can only exert power where there's darkness and becomes weak in well-lit places. Has the peculiar characteristic of loving crayfish.
Legends & Stories
Summary
A Korean traditional yokai symbolizing darkness that transforms into shadow form to harm people
Detailed Legend
Geusundae is a yokai symbolizing primal human fear of darkness in Korean tradition. The name derives from 'shade' and 'new moon,' meaning a giant presence standing in darkness. Similar to Eodukshini, but while Eodukshini is more of a 'spirit' that mainly scares people, Geusundae is an 'evil spirit' that directly causes harm. As a conditionally immortal yokai, physical attacks don't work when it's in shadow form and it actually grows larger when attacked. There are tales that it was a guardian deity during the Goryeo period, but transformed into an evil spirit due to Confucian influence during the Joseon period. Since it cannot exert power without darkness, it can be repelled when multiple people carry torches. Uniquely, it loves crayfish, so if encountered, throwing crayfish to it will make it accept the offering and quietly retreat.
History & Origin
Origin
Primal human fear of darkness and Goryeo dynasty guardian deity legends
Related Events
- •Missing person cases during night hiking
- •Unidentified sightings in darkness
- •Goryeo dynasty guardian deity legends
⚠️ Safety Measures
Media & Cultural References
Korean Yokai Stories - Geusundae of Darkness
Korean Traditional Yokai Encyclopedia
Location Map
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