Japanese · No. 097

Ofuda Sealing Talisman

Real myth

Ofuda Sealing Talisman
Stuck on the forehead, not even an oni can move.
Rarity
Uncommon
Category
Spell
Effect
Your opponent cannot attack for 1 turns.

The myth

Ofuda, or gofu, are talismans of paper, wood or metal issued by shrines and temples, bearing the name or power of a kami or buddha. They are placed on the household altar, the kamidana, or pasted over doors and pillars to protect the home against illness, fire, thieves and evil spirits. In ghost stories they work as seals: in the Peony Lantern, monks cover Shinzaburō's doors and windows with ofuda so Otsuyu's spirit cannot enter. In the folktale Sanmai no Ofuda, a young monk escapes a yamauba thanks to three talismans.

Why it has this power

An Uncommon spell that stops the opponent from attacking for 1 turn. It is the seal pasted on the door: nothing enters, nothing advances. It destroys no one, but buys time to set up your defense, call a ritual or prepare a fusion. In the right hands, one turn of peace is worth more than a sword.

Did you know

It is customary to return old ofuda to the shrine at year's end to be burned in a rite, rather than throwing them away.

Connections

  • In Kenji, Kamo River Fisherman's deck
  • In Hanae, Wandering Miko's deck
  • In Renji, Ronin of the Snowy Roads's deck
  • In Master Suzu of Mount Kurama's deck
  • In Kaguya, Guardian of the Torii's deck

Where to get it

  • Daily Offering: 0.45% per pack (Uncommon 33% per card)
  • Welcome Pack: 1.1% per pack (Uncommon 30% per card)
  • Traveler's Pack: 0.96% per pack · 5.6% in the themed pack (Uncommon 29% per card)
  • Bronze Reliquary: 0.94% per pack · 5.5% in the themed pack (Uncommon 29% per card)
  • Silver Reliquary: 0.96% per pack · 5.6% in the themed pack (Uncommon 33% per card)
  • Golden Reliquary: 0.94% per pack · 5.5% in the themed pack (Uncommon 35% per card)
  • Daily Showcase: Shows up on about 0.98% of days · 400 gold
  • Craft with card dust: 100 dust
  • Crossing of Myths: Can be offered as a reward during a crossing (the card stays in the crossing deck).

Sources

  1. Shinsatsu, Mamorifuda — Encyclopedia of Shinto — Kokugakuin University
  2. Sanmai no Ofuda — Folk Legends, Kids Web Japan — Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (Web Japan)
  3. In Ghostly Japan (Project Gutenberg) — Lafcadio Hearn