Boggarts, succubuses, the Mirror of Erised?

[leairan]

Was thinking about boggarts recently and got to wondering... if there's a monster/creature that shows your greatest fear to you, what about a monster/creature that tempts you with your heart's desire? Not a succubus per say, they seem sort of tempting only in a sexual way, but a mythical creature that offers you your heart's desire in order to lure

Comments

[murasaki99]

Hmm, sounds like you are describing a demon or other netherworldly creature. Have you tried checking Japanese, Chinese, or Indian mythology? Those cultures have rich folklore populated with all sorts of fantastic creatures, some helpful and some not. Lots of inspiration to be had, there.

In Japan there are akuma (demons) and oni (devils) - both are dangerous, but the oni tend to be less intelligent, while the akuma can be horribly destructive.

Also in Chinese mythology, the magical white fox-woman is presented as a very dangerous temptress and vampire.

In the recent Hayao Miyazaki movie "Spirited Away or Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi", a being called a no-face caused havoc with his power to tempt people by offering them what they wanted (money, gold, food) and then swallowing them when they grabbed for it. Fortunately he coughed them all up later.

Have fun!

[leairan]

That's really cool. Yup, Japanese, Chinese and Indian mythology have a huge variety of creatures, demons, spirits, etcetera... The 'no-face' being you described in the Spirited Away movie sounds the closest to what I described... is there such a creature in Japanese mythology or was it just some thing made up by the creators of the movie? Haven't seen the movie.

[murasaki99]

I don't know anything more about the no-face (Mu-kao might be its Japanese name, but I'm not sure). There's a really nice Hayao Miyazki movie website where it discusses characters and the plots of the movies. http://www.nausicaa.net/miyazaki/ Do see the movie if you can - its excellent and lovely. Its out on video and DVD now.