What is the Medicine Seller? That question has intrigued fans of the anime series Mononoke for years. With his strange powers, enigmatic traits, and timeless appearance, he is far from ordinary. Various theories have emerged, speculating that he could be an onmyōji, a god, or even a benevolent mononoke. However, after examining the evidence from the show and Japanese mythology, I believe that the Medicine Seller is most likely a kitsune.

Kitsune, meaning “fox” in Japanese, are creatures of folklore known for their mysterious powers, such as shapeshifting and creating illusions. They have fascinated artists and storytellers for centuries. The visual resemblance between the Medicine Seller and a fox is striking. The red markings on his face resemble the paint on traditional kitsune masks worn during festivals. His long ears and fangs further suggest a vulpine nature.

In Japanese fox lore, there is a hierarchy among foxes. Some are holy messengers, while others are mischievous or malicious spirits. Fox statues often guard Inari shrines, where they are believed to ward off evil. The Medicine Seller’s role as an exorcist, warding off mononoke and demonic influences, parallels the protective function attributed to kitsune. This connection to Inari, the rice god associated with merchants and swordsmiths, adds further weight to the theory.

Kitsune are often associated with sex and fertility. In the anime, the Medicine Seller’s interactions with female characters are filled with tension and attraction. This aligns with stories of kitsune seducing humans, sometimes even marrying and bearing children with them. Although the Medicine Seller’s role prevents him from settling down, his amorous nature echoes that of male kitsune in other tales.

The Medicine Seller’s personality also reflects fox-like traits. Kitsune are known for their mischievous nature, and the Medicine Seller enjoys teasing and playing games with those around him. This playful behavior, combined with his appearance and powers, strongly suggests a connection to kitsune folklore.

The Medicine Seller’s powers are not bound by physical limitations. His ability to change his appearance and the illusion of his face further support the theory that his true form is not what it seems. The presence of gold markings on his Other Self, along with his white hair, could indicate a divine nature, reminiscent of an Inari fox. The Medicine Seller’s powers and limitations are more in line with those of a kiko, a servant of Inari that has not yet ascended to a heavenly plane.

It is also worth noting that the Medicine Seller seems to receive instructions or communicate with someone unseen. This could be Inari or another entity guiding him on his mission to slay mononoke. His purpose may be to understand humanity fully before ascending to a higher realm, in line with the thousand-year lifespan attributed to kitsune in Shinto beliefs.

The enigmatic Medicine Seller continues to captivate viewers and fans with his compelling presence. Whether he is a kitsune, a divine messenger, or something else entirely, his story is one of lonely destiny and profound understanding of human nature. The legacy of the Medicine Seller lives on, and perhaps, one day, another young fox will take up the sword, continuing the cycle of aiding humanity and putting troubled souls to rest.

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