Kodama

Kodama are mythological spirits from Japanese folklore, often depicted as the spirits of trees. They are believed to inhabit and protect forests, representing the soul of a tree. When their host trees are healthy, kodama are thought to be benign or beneficial, bringing harmony to the environment. However, if a tree is damaged or cut down, the kodama may become restless or vengeful, symbolizing the tree’s life force. In modern culture, kodama are also featured in movies and stories as symbolic protectors of nature, embodying respect for the natural world.