Jorogumo

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(Music: Agatsuma Hiromitsu - Kami no Ma)

In Japan mythology Jorōgumo is a yôkai with the form of a spider, that can change its appearance into that of a seductive woman to ensnare a human. She possess a cunning intelligence and a cold heart, and see humans as nothing more than insects to feed on.
According to the legends, she plays the lute in an abandoned hut in the forest to attract the attention of a potential victim who passing by. While a person is fascinated by enchanting music, jorōgumo wraps him with her spiderweb to provide food to herself and her offspring.
Her favorite prey is young, handsome men who are looking for love. When a jorōgumo spots a man she desires, she invites him into her home, and he is usually never seen again. She can spin silk threads strong enough to ensnare a grown man so that he cannot escape. She also have a powerful venom that can slowly weaken a man day by day, allowing the spider to savor the long and painful death her victim suffers. Jorōgumo can control other, lesser spiders, even employing fire-breathing spiders to burn down the homes of any who grow suspicious of them.

Art prints with this piece available on society6

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