Vengeance of the Betrayed Spirit

The myth

In Japan it is believed that the spirits of people who died betrayed, wronged or full of resentment can return as onryō or goryō and bring calamity, tatari. The most famous case is Sugawara no Michizane, a minister unjustly exiled in 903: after his death lightning struck the palace and his enemies died one by one. To appease him, the court restored his rank and revered him as Tenjin, today the kami of learning. The goryō-e rites, recorded from 863, sought to soothe such spirits. Stage stories like Oiwa's kept the theme of vengeance from beyond alive.

Why it has this power

A Rare trap that reflects the attack's damage back to the opponent. The harm done returns to its doer, like the rage of a betrayed spirit that changes address. It does the same as the Onmyōji's Mirror, but with the force of resentment: it punishes precisely the mightiest attackers.

Did you know

Japanese students visit Tenjin shrines such as Kitano Tenmangū and Dazaifu Tenmangū to pray for success in their exams.

Connections

• In Master Suzu of Mount Kurama's deck
• In Kaguya, Guardian of the Torii's deck

Where to get it

• Daily Offering: 0.11% per pack (Rare 2.8% per card)
• Traveler's Pack: 0.69% per pack · 3.6% in the themed pack (Rare 7% per card)
• Bronze Reliquary: 0.78% per pack · 4% in the themed pack (Rare 8% per card)
• Silver Reliquary: 1.3% per pack · 6.7% in the themed pack (Rare 15% per card)
• Golden Reliquary: 2% per pack · 10% in the themed pack (Rare 25% per card)
• Daily Showcase: Shows up on about 1.5% of days · 400 gems
• Craft with card dust: 600 dust
• Crossing of Myths: Can be offered as a reward during a crossing (the card stays in the crossing deck).

Sources

1. Goryō shinkō — Encyclopedia of Shinto — Kokugakuin University
2. Tatari — Encyclopedia of Shinto — Kokugakuin University
3. Goryō — Encyclopedia of Shinto — Kokugakuin University