Hannya (HAN-ya) is a Japanese vampiric demon (name means “empty”) that feeds exclusively off truly beautiful women and infants.
It has large chin, long fangs and horns, green scales, a snakelike forked tongue, and burning eyes. It represents a jealous female demon or serpent-like creature with horns, sharp teeth, and a leering expression. The Hannya mask is typically used to portray a character who has transformed into a vengeful spirit due to intense jealousy or obsession. It's a symbol of the complexities of human emotions and the consequences of unchecked desires.
It attacks by giving a horrible shriek and possessing a startled woman driving her insane and altering her body into that of a hideous monster. "Eventually, it drives her to attack a child, drink its blood, and eat its flesh."
In Dragon Annual #1 this was considered a wight which is different from a vampire in the game.
Variations: Akeru, Hannya-Shin-Kyo (“emptiness of forms”)
References[]
- Bane, Theresa (2010) Encyclopedia of Vampire Mythology McFarland pg 72-3