頭病 · yurei · Shikoku

Tōbyō

Tōbyō is a snake spirit associated with possession in Shikoku, believed to afflict individuals by taking control of their consciousness. This yokai symbolizes themes of transformation and danger inherent in snake mythology, linked with healing in some traditions. Worship and appeasement rituals are performed to mitigate its influence.

Legend

In local folklore, a villager stricken with Tōbyō grew ill and was suspected to be under the spirit's control. Local shamans performed an exorcism, revealing deep family secrets and healing the villager, thus connecting the spirit's influence to personal histories.