Youmu (妖夢, lit., "catastrophic illusion") are strange creatures that roam the human world. They come in all sorts of shapes and forms, and their origins are currently a mystery. Some Youmu have an appetite for human flesh and are extremely hostile. For this reason, these creatures are a constant target by Spirit World Warriors. [1]
Characteristics
Youmu vastly differ in appearance, with forms similar to that of animals or non-living objects. The similarity among all youmu is their tendency to manifest an ore-like stone that contains the powers of that youmu when slain. This stone is sought after due to the value appraisers give to these stones.
Humans normally do not possess the ability to see youmu, and can only be seen by Spirit World Warriors and other youmu. However, interactions between youmu and humans are a constant source of concern amongst Spirit World Warriors due to a youmu's tendency to possess a human and act towards them with hostility. In the light novels, the issue of discrimination against youmu extends to half-youmu and Spirit World Warriors with youmu-like abilities (i.e., the Kuriyama clan, in which Mirai Kuriyama belongs to).
List of Youmu
Known Non-Hostile Youmu
Name | Characteristics | Occupation/s | Status |
---|---|---|---|
Ai Shindou | Has a human and animal (two-tailed Scottish fold) form | High school student, assistant to Ayaka | Alive |
Ayaka Shindou | Has a human and animal (nine-tailed fox) form | Spirit world warrior, appraiser, owner of a traditional sweets shop (photo studio with cafe in the anime) | Alive |
Akihito's Father | Immortal youmu | — | Unknown |
Yakiimo | Rodent-like appearance with a round body | Mitsuki Nase's pet and fighting companion | Alive |
Known Hostile Youmu
Name | Debut | Abilities | Value (in Yen) | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
"Ogre" | Ep 1 | None | 26,000 | Killed by Shizuku Ninomiya |
"Bandage Ghost" | Ep 1 | Bandage manipulation, phasing through solid objects | 1,000 | Killed by Mirai Kuriyama |
Hollow Shadow | Ep 2 (mentioned), Ep 4 (appearance) | Space manipulation; creating illusions; body possession | ??? | Killed by Mirai Kuriyama |
"Slit-mouthed goblin" | Ep 3 | Small youmu with a vertical mouth filled with pointy teeth | 10,000 | Killed by Mitsuki Nase |
"Wolves" |
Ep 4 |
Physical appearance and fighting style reminiscent of wolves | ??? |
Several killed by Hiroomi Nase |
"Fruit-Type Youmu" | Ep 6 | Spews out fluids with a repulsive odor when agitated | At least 500,000 | Killed by Izumi Nase[2] |
"Candy Stick" | Ep 7 | Possession of humans (not unique); other abilities unknown | ??? | Killed by Mirai Kuriyama |
Beyond the Boundary | Ep 8 | Space manipulation; speculated to cause disasters, etc. | ??? | Alive |
References
- ↑ Glossary of Terms in the Kyoukai no Kanata anime official site.
- ↑ 2. Stated by Mitsuki Nase in the Mini Theater #4