#kamuy

Okay, can we quickly talk about this poster? Because boy, this is interesting.

Maria's familiars are and always were inspired by Japanese/East Asian mythology. In the Games originally they were called Suzuku, Genbu, Byakko and Seiryu. We see Seiryu in the new trailer - I am assuming at least that the dragon we see is Seiryu.

But this here? This looks like a bear. I know, because I spent a good while obsessing over a certain bear. :P

No, but for real. This is very very interesting from the perspective of Japanese mythology. Because in the old Japanese mythology (aka pre-Heian) bears were thought to be manifestations of the gods. Something that still holds true for the Ainu mythology (as anyone who watched Golden Kamuy will have learned). But yes, originally the gods manifested as bears, with foxes as their messangers.

IT HURTS AGAIN TODAY

I remade Chishinap-Kamuy!

Kamuy: The Living Spirits of Ainu Belief 🙏

In Ainu life, Kamuy are active forces within the natural world, each governing a specific domain. Balance is maintained through rituals, offerings, and respect, creating a reciprocal relationship between humans and these spiritual beings. Figures such as the fire spirit and the bear spirit hold central roles as protectors and intermediaries.

Kamuy take many forms, including natural elements, animals, and ancestral teachers, while some are associated with misfortune. This reflects a spiritual world that is both nurturing and dangerous, shaping how humans interact with it.

Rituals are essential to this relationship. Ceremonies like the iomante, where a bear spirit is sent back to the spiritual realm, and daily offerings reinforce harmony and invite continued blessings. Fire plays a key role as a sacred medium through which prayers are conveyed.

Ainu oral tradition teaches that the world was formed by Kamuy, with these stories preserved through epic narratives passed down across generations.