Kappa

planet evolution (info) ,

Kappa

(Gatarō, Kawako)
A drawing of a kappa.
Creature
Grouping	Legendary creature
Sub grouping	Sprite
Data
Mythology	Japanese mythology
Country	Japan
Habitat	Rivers

Kappa (河童^?, "river-child"), alternately called Kawatarō (川太郎^?, "river-boy") or Kawako (川子^?, "river-child"), are legendary creatures, a type of water sprite found in Japanese folklore.^[1][2] In Shintō they are considered to be one of many suijin.^[3] A hair-covered variation of a Kappa is called a Hyōsube (ひょうすべ^?).^[4]

Kappa are similar to Scandinavian Näkki, Germanic Neck and Scottish Kelpie in that all have been used to scare children of dangers lurking in waters.

Contents

Appearance

Most depictions show kappa as child-sized humanoids, though their bodies are often more like those of monkeys or frogs than human beings. Some descriptions say their faces are apelike, while others show them with beaked visages more like those of tortoises or with duck beaks. Pictures usually show kappa with thick shells and scaly skin that ranges in color from green to yellow or blue.^[5][6][7]

Another notable feature of the kappa is the saucer-shaped depression on their scalps, which must at all times be filled with water if the kappa is to retain its strength and powers. Should the depression be emptied of water, the kappa will instantly be weakened and may even die if the water is not restored.

Kappa supposedly inhabit the ponds and rivers of Japan and have various features to aid them in this environment, such as webbed hands and feet.^[8] They are sometimes even said to smell like fish, and they can certainly swim like them. The expression kappa-no-kawa-nagare ("a kappa drowning in a river") conveys the idea that even experts make mistakes.^[9]

[edit] Behavior

Modern sign warning children of kappa lurking in water

Kappa are usually seen as mischievous troublemakers. Their pranks range from the relatively innocent, such as loudly passing gas or looking up women's kimonos, to the more troublesome, such as stealing crops or kidnapping children. In fact, small children are one of the gluttonous kappa's favorite meals, though they will eat adults as well. They feed on these victims by sucking out their shirikodama (尻子玉^?), a mythical ball inside the anus.^[10][11] Even today, signs warning about kappa appear by bodies of water in some Japanese towns and villages. Kappa are also said to be afraid of fire, and some villages hold fireworks festivals each year to scare the spirits away.

It was believed that if confronted with a kappa there was but one mean of escape: kappas, for one reason or another, obsess over being polite, so if you were to gesture a deep bow to a kappa it would more than likely return it. In doing so, the water kept in the lilypad-like bowl on their head would spill out and the kappa would be rendered unable to leave the bowed position until the bowl was refilled with water from the river in which it lived. If a human were to refill it, it was believed the kappa would serve them for all eternity.^[12]

Kappa are not entirely antagonistic to humankind, however. They are curious of human civilization, and they can understand and speak Japanese. They thus sometimes challenge those they encounter to various tests of skill, such as shogi or sumo wrestling.^[2] They may even befriend human beings in exchange for gifts and offerings, especially cucumbers, the only food kappa are known to enjoy more than human children. Japanese parents sometimes write the names of their children (or themselves) on cucumbers and toss them into waters believed to be infested with kappa in order to mollify the creatures and allow the family to bathe.^[13] There is even a kind of cucumber-filled sushi roll named for the kappa, the kappamaki.^[12]

Once befriended, kappa have been known to perform any number of tasks for human beings, such as helping farmers irrigate their land. They are also highly knowledgeable of medicine, and legend states that they taught the art of bone setting to humankind.^[12][14][15] Due to these benevolent aspects, some shrines are dedicated to the worship of particularly helpful kappa.^[16] Kappa may also be tricked into helping people. Their deep sense of decorum will not allow them to break an oath, for example; so if a human being can dupe a kappa into promising to help him, the kappa has no choice but to follow through.

[edit] See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Kappa

• Kappabashi-dori, a neighborhood in Tokyo. Kappa here is a homophone, but the homophony is exploited.
• Summer Days with Coo 2007 Anime
• The Pokemon Golduck.
• Koopa Troopa, the main enemy in the Mario series.
• Kapp'n, a sailor, taxi driver, and bus driver in the Animal Crossing series.

[edit] References

1. ^ Bush, Laurence C. (2001). Asian horror encyclopedia: Asian horror culture in literature, manga and folklore. Laurence C. Bush. p. 94. ISBN 0-595-20181-4. http://books.google.com/books?id=lesg5YSXckQC&pg=PA94&dq=kappa+Kawako&as_brr=3&hl=ja&cd=4#v=onepage&q=kappa%20Kawako&f=false.
2. ^ ^{a b} Foster, Michael Dylan (2009). Pandemonium and parade: Japanese monsters and the culture of yōkai. University of California Press. p. 46. ISBN 978-0-520-25361-2. http://books.google.com/books?id=Z5WQy5Q6Hj4C&pg=PA46&dq=kappa+kawataro&num=100&as_brr=3&cd=1#v=onepage&q=kappa%20kawataro&f=false.
3. ^ Frédéric, Louis (2002). Japan encyclopedia. President and Fellows of Harvard College. p. 910. ISBN 0-674-00770-0. http://books.google.com/books?id=p2QnPijAEmEC&pg=PA910&dq=kappa+suijin&num=100&cd=6#v=onepage&q=kappa%20suijin&f=false.
4. ^ "怪異・妖怪伝承データベース: カッパ，　ヒョウスベ [Folktale Data of Strange Phenomena and Yōkai]" (in Japanese). International Research Center for Japanese Studies. http://www.nichibun.ac.jp/YoukaiCard/2220015.shtml.
5. ^ Davis, F. Hadland (1992). Myths and legends of Japan. Dover Publications. p. 350. ISBN 0-486-27045-9. http://books.google.com/books?id=10WXp8fNeqwC&pg=PA350&dq=kappa&num=100&as_brr=3&hl=ja&cd=1#v=onepage&q=kappa&f=false.
6. ^ Volker, T. (1975). The animal in Far Eastern art and especially in the art of the Japanese. E.J.Brill. p. 110. ISBN 90-04-04295-4. http://books.google.com/books?id=XyEVAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA110&dq=kappa&num=100&as_brr=3&hl=ja&cd=5#v=onepage&q=kappa&f=false.
7. ^ Frédéric, Louis (2002). Japan encyclopedia. President and Fellows of Harvard College. p. 480. ISBN 0-674-00770-0. http://books.google.com/books?id=p2QnPijAEmEC&pg=PA480&dq=kappa&num=100&cd=6#v=onepage&q=kappa&f=false.
8. ^ Mack, Dinah (1998). A Field Guide to Demons, Fairies, Fallen Angels, and Other Subversive Spirits. Carol K. Mack and Dinah Mack. p. 17. ISBN 1-55970-447-1. http://books.google.com/books?id=1IDS3UUrqAIC&pg=PA17&dq=kappa+japan&num=100&as_brr=3&hl=ja&cd=4#v=onepage&q=kappa%20japan&f=false.
9. ^ Buchanan, Daniel Crump (1965). Japanese Proverbs and Sayings. University of Oklahoma Press. p. 42. ISBN 0-8061-1082-1. http://books.google.com/books?id=wGb4zNqYj10C&pg=PA42&dq=kappa-no-kawa-nagare&num=100&cd=1#v=onepage&q=kappa-no-kawa-nagare&f=false.
10. ^ "Shirikodama". tangorin.com. http://tangorin.com/words/shirikodama.
11. ^ Nara, Hiroshi (2007). Inexorable modernity: Japan's grappling with modernity in the arts. Lexington Books. p. 33. ISBN 0-7391-1841-2. http://books.google.com/books?id=bMMusu0O4zAC&pg=PA33&dq=kappa+shirikodama&num=100&as_brr=3&hl=ja&cd=1#v=onepage&q=kappa%20shirikodama&f=false.
12. ^ ^{a b c} Ashkenazi, Michael (2003). Handbook of Japanese mythology. Micheal Ashkenaze. p. 195. ISBN 1-57607-467-6. http://books.google.com/books?id=gqs-y9R2AekC&pg=PT195&dq=kappa#v=onepage&q=kappa&f=false.
13. ^ "怪異・妖怪伝承データベース: 河童雑談 [Folktale Data of Strange Phenomena and Yōkai]" (in Japanese). International Research Center for Japanese Studies. http://www.nichibun.ac.jp/YoukaiCard/0030086.shtml.
14. ^ "怪異・妖怪伝承データベース: 河童の教えた中風の薬 [Folktale Data of Strange Phenomena and Yōkai]" (in Japanese). International Research Center for Japanese Studies. http://www.nichibun.ac.jp/YoukaiCard/0160053.shtml.
15. ^ "怪異・妖怪伝承データベース: 河童の秘伝接骨薬 [Folktale Data of Strange Phenomena and Yōkai]" (in Japanese). International Research Center for Japanese Studies. http://www.nichibun.ac.jp/YoukaiCard/C0411189-000.shtml.
16. ^ "怪異・妖怪伝承データベース: 河童神社 [Folktale Data of Strange Phenomena and Yōkai]" (in Japanese). International Research Center for Japanese Studies. http://www.nichibun.ac.jp/YoukaiCard/C0410236-000.shtml.

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Gandharva

planet evolution (info) ,Gandharva is a name used for distinct mythological creatures in Hinduism and Buddhism; it is also a term for skilled singers in Indian classical music.

In Hinduism

Gandharva (right) with an Apsara, 10th century, Cham, Vietnam

In Hinduism, the Gandharvas (Sanskrit: गन्धर्व, gandharva) are male nature spirits, husbands of the Apsaras. Some are part animal, usually a bird or horse. They have superb musical skills. They guarded the Soma and made beautiful music for the gods in their palaces.A gandharva means a singer in court of Gods. A connection between their name and that of the Greek centaurs was proposed in the 19th century, but has met with strong opposition from some Indo-Europeanists.^{[citation needed]}

In Hindu theology, Gandharvas act as messengers between the gods and humans. In Hindu law, a Gandharva marriage is one contracted by mutual consent and without formal rituals.

Gandharvas are mentioned extensively in the epic Mahabharata as associated with the Devas (as dancers and singers) and with the Yakshas, as formidable warriors. They are mentioned as spread across various territories.

[edit] Parentage of the Gandharvas

Various parentage is given for the Gandharvas. They are called the creatures of Prajapati or of Brahma or of Kasyapa or of the Munis or of Arishta or of Vāc. ^[1]

In Buddhism

A Gandharva (Sanskrit) or Gandhabba (Pāli) is one of the lowest-ranking devas in Buddhist theology. They are classed among the Cāturmahārājikakāyika devas, and are subject to the Great King Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Guardian of the East. Beings are reborn among the Gandharvas as a consequence of having practiced the most basic form of ethics (Janavasabha-sutta, DN.18). It was considered embarrassing for a monk to be born in no better birth than that of a gandharva.

Gandharvas can fly through the air, and are known for their skill as musicians. They are connected with trees and flowers, and are described as dwelling in the scents of bark, sap, and blossom. They are among the beings of the wilderness that might disturb a monk meditating alone.

The terms gandharva and yakṣa are sometimes used for the same person; yakṣa in these cases is the more general term, including a variety of lower deities.

Among the notable gandharvas are mentioned (in DN.20 and DN.32) Panāda, Opamañña, Naḷa, Cittasena, Rājā. Janesabha is probably the same as Janavasabha, a rebirth of King Bimbisāra of Magadha. Mātali the Gandharva is the charioteer for Śakra.

Timbarū was a chieftain of the gandharvas. There is a romantic story told about the love between his daughter Bhaddā Suriyavaccasā (Sanskrit: Bhadrā Sūryavarcasā) and another gandharva, Pañcasikha (Sanskrit: Pañcaśikha). Pañcasikha fell in love with Suriyavaccasā when he saw her dancing before Śakra, but she was then in love with Sikhandī (or Sikhaddi), son of Mātali the charioteer. Pañcasikha then went to Timbarū's home and played a melody on his lute of beluva-wood, on which he had great skill, and sang a love-song in which he interwove themes about the Buddha and his Arhats.

Later, Śakra prevailed upon Pañcasikha to intercede with the Buddha so that Śakra might have an audience with him. As a reward for Pañcasikha's services, Śakra was able to get Suriyavaccasā, already pleased with Pañcasikha's display of skill and devotion, to agree to marry Pañcasikha.

Pañcasikha also acts as a messenger for the Four Heavenly Kings, conveying news from them to Mātali, the latter representing Śakra and the Trāyastriṃśa devas.

Gandharva or gandhabba is also used in a completely different sense, referring to a being (or, strictly speaking, part of the causal continuum of consciousness) in a liminal state between birth and death.

In Indian Classical Music

There are many singers known as Gandharvas for their mastery of Indian Classical Music. All of them, at one time or another, were theater actors who performed in various musicals. Their style of music is known as Natya Sangeet in Marathi, literally "Dance Music." They are regarded as masters of Indian Classical music by the vast majority of the general population, predominantly in the state of Maharashtra.

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VY Canis Majoris

planet evolution (info) ,

VY Canis Majoris (Vy CMa) adalah bintang hypergiant merah yang terletak di rasi Canis Major. Di antara 1800 dan 2100 solar radii (approx 2.7 billion km across atau 1,7 miliar mil). VY Canis Majoris merupakan bintang terbesar yang diketahui dan juga bintang tercerah yang diketahui hingga kini. VY Canis Majoris berlokasi di 1,5 kiloparsecs (4.6×1016 km) atau 4900 tahun cahaya dari Bumi. Tidak seperti kebanyakan bintang hypergiant, yang terjadi baik dalam sistem bintang ganda atau multiple, Vy CMa adalah bintang tunggal. Hal ini dikategorikan sebagai variabel semiregular dan diperkirakan memiliki periode 2000 hari.

Perbandingan ukuran Matahari dan VY Canis Majoris
Data Observasi Epoch J2000 Equinox J2000
Konstelasi	Canis Major
Right ascension	07h 22m 58.33s
Deklinasi	−25° 46′ 03.17″
Apparent magnitude (V)	7.9607
Karasteristik
Tipe Spektral	M3-M5e Ia
B−V color index	2.24
Variable type	Semiregular
Astrometry
Kecepatan Radial (Rv)	49 ± 10 km/s
Proper motion (μ)	RA: 9.84 mas/yr Dec.: 0.75 mas/yr
Parallax (π)	1.78 ± 3.54mas
Jarak	~4,900 ly (~1,500 pc)
Details
Massa	~30-40 M☉
Radius	~1800-2,100 R☉
Luminosity	~450,000 L☉
Suhu	~3000 K
Sebutan Lainnya
VY CMa, HD 58061, HIP 35793

Sifat VY Canis Majoris

Catatan pertama yang diketahui Vy Canis Majoris adalah dalam katalog bintang Jérôme Lalande, pada tanggal 7 Maret 1801. Dalam katalog terdaftar Vy CMa sebagai bintang besar bermagnitude 7. Penelitian lebih lanjut tentang magnitudonya pada abad ke-19 menunjukkan bahwa bintang tersebut telah memudar sejak tahun 1850.

Sejak 1847, Vy CMa telah dikenal menjadi bintang merah. Selama abad ke-19, hasil pengamatan sementara berisi bahwa kemungkinan Vy CMa adalah bintang ganda. Pengamatan Visual pada tahun 1957 dan pencitraan resolusi tinggi pada tahun 1998 menunjukkan bahwa Vy CMa bukan bintang ganda.

Vy CMa adalah high-luminosity M star dengan suhu efektif sekitar 3.000 K.

Mengukur jarak

Jarak Stellar dapat dihitung dengan mengukur parallaxes sebagai orbit bumi mengelilingi matahari. Namun, VY CMa memiliki paralaks kecil dengan a high margin of error, yang membuatnya tidak dapat diandalkan untuk menghitung jarak dengan menggunakan metode ini.

Pada tahun 1976, Charles J. Lada dan Mark J. Reid menerbitkan penemuan a bright-rimmed molecular cloud 15 menit busur timur VY CMa. NGC 2362 memiliki jarak 1,5 ± 0,5 kiloparsecs sebagaimana ditentukan dari diagram warna-nya besar.

VY CMa diproyeksikan ke ujung rim, menunjukkan asosiasi dengan awan molekul. Selain itu, kecepatan dari awan molekul sangat dekat dengan kecepatan bintang. Hal ini semakin menunjukkan asosiasi bintang dengan awan molekul, dan akibatnya dengan NGC 2362, yang berarti VY CMa juga berada pada jarak 1,5 kpc.

Ukuran

Dari kanan ke kiri VY Canis Majoris dibandingkan dengan Betelgeuse, Rho Cassiopeiae, the Pistol Star dan Matahari (tidak terlihat di thumbnail ini). Orbits nya Jupiter and Neptune juga nampak.

Relative sizes of the planets in the Solar System and several well known stars, including VY Canis Majoris.
1. Mercury < Mars < Venus < Earth
2. Earth < Neptune < Uranus < Saturn < Jupiter
3. Jupiter < Wolf 359 < Sun < Sirius
4. Sirius < Pollux < Arcturus < Aldebaran
5. Aldebaran < Rigel < Antares < Betelgeuse
6. Betelgeuse < Mu Cephei < VV Cephei A < VY Canis Majoris.

University of Minnesota, profesor Roberta M. Humphreys memperkirakan radius Vy CMa pada 1.800 hingga 2.100 jari-jari surya. Untuk menggambarkan. Jika Matahari bumi digantikan oleh Vy Canis Majoris, jari-jari VY Canis Majoris mungkin melampaui orbit Saturnus (sekitar 9 AU ). 7 × 1015 Bumi untuk mengisi volume Vy Canis Majoris.

Jika Bumi itu harus diwakili oleh satu sentimeter berdiameter bola, Matahari akan diwakili sebagai bola dengan diameter 109 cm, pada jarak 117 meter. Pada skala ini, Vy Canis Majoris akan memiliki diameter sekitar 2,3 kilometer.

Luminosity

Pada tahun 2006, Humphreys menggunakan distribusi energi spektral dan jarak Vy CMa untuk menghitung luminositas nya. Karena sebagian besar radiasi yang berasal dari bintang yang diolah kembali oleh debu awan di sekitarnya, dia mengintegrasikan fluks total atas seluruh nebula dan menunjukkan bahwa Vy CMa memiliki luminositas 4,3 × 105 L ☉.

Kontroversi

Ada dua pendapat yang saling bertentangan dari sifat-sifat Vy CMa. Dalam satu tampilan, bintang tersebut adalah hypergiant merah yang sangat besar dan sangat bercahaya. Dalam pendapat lain (seperti Massey, Levesque, dan studi Plez's), bintang super raksasa merah adalah normal, dengan radius sekitar 600 jari-jari matahari.

Lalu, apakah hingga detik ini ada bintang yang ukurannya lebih besar dari VY Canis Majoris?

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