The Palace of the Dragon King: a Manual of Myths and Monsters

by Matthew Meyer

Japan is a nation spread out over fourteen thousand islands, so it is no surprise that its relationship with the sea is embedded deeply within its legends and folklore. According to mythology, the islands of Japan emerged from the depths of the primordial sea when the first gods stirred the waters with a spear. This illustrates the importance of the ocean to the development of Japan as both a country and a culture. It is a force that birthed and has sculpted its landscape, influenced its history, and inspired its imagination.

Yōkai—spirits and monsters found in Japanese folklore—reflect the complex relationship between Japan and the sea over its long history. The sea has served as a conduit for cultural exchange with continental Asia while also isolating Japan and allowing it to foster a distinct national identity. It has acted as both a protective barrier, shielding Japan from foreign invasion, and a destructive force, unleashing devastating tsunamis upon its shores. It is a vital source of sustenance, providing fish and seaweed that sustain the nation’s diet, yet it is also a realm of mystery and danger. These aspects are reflected in the number and diversity of aquatic yōkai. Some are playful, others are deadly; some grant wishes, others destroy; some bring terrible curses, and others provide divine protection.

This manual contains over 100 illustrated entries divided over five chapters that cover a wide variety of Japanese spirits, with a heavy focus on aquatic yōkai and maritime myths. Each creature is described in detail, including its habitat, diet, origin, and legends based on translations from centuries-old Japanese texts.

Genres: Mythology

341 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2024

About the author

Matthew Meyer is an illustrator and folklorist based in Japan. He received a BFA in illustration from Ringling College of Art and Design in 2005. Ghost stories and folklore have been one of his greatest passions for his whole life. Since 2008 his work has been focused on Japanese folklore, particularly yokai studies. He is known as The Yokai Guy for his work on yokai.com, the online database of Japanese ghosts and monsters.

Reviews

[The Toothless Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have to understand, I also have the previous 4 books in this collection sitting on my shelf. I'm a generalist in my desire for knowledge, and this collection of materials is so helpful to me for all my varied interests. The imagery, the explanations, the attention to detail in the artwork. It's one of the few series I'm willing to spend to get a hardcover copy of. I will continue to support his work with each new book he puts out. Far as I can tell, he's doing for Japanese Folklore what the Brothers Grimm started with the Germanics. It's not easy to get all that information together, so having it right next to me just makes me giddy.

[Anna Papworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant series collecting diverse fantastical myths from Japan. Beautifully illustrated and thoroughly studied. It has been a delight to pour through these books. I truly appreciate all the work by the author to make this collection.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad to have another book by Matthew Meyer. His artwork and tales go so well together. And this is over 200 pages long? The amount of dedication to this project was definitely noticed! I would fund another Kickstarter by him at the drop of a hat.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great edition to Matthew Meyer's yōkai encyclopedias.