Shōki

鍾馗 Zhong Kui

1 Source and/or Related Material

Unknown

2 Author

Unknown

3 Repertoire

Kanze, Hōshō, Komparu, Kongō

4 Synopsis

In ancient China, a traveler (waki) is on his way from the Zhongnan Mountains (Shaanxi) to the capital. On the road, he is approached by a villager (maeshite) who tells him that he has sworn to protect the country from evil demons, then asks the traveler to tell the Emperor that if he rules justly, an auspicious sign will appear in the Palace. The traveler agrees, and the villager reveals that he is Zhong Kui, a man who committed suicide after being unjustly failed in the civil service examination, then he vanishes into thin air. A local (ai) comes to retell the story in plain speech. The traveler recites sutras, and Zhong Kui appears in his true form as the King of Ghosts (nochishite), holding a precious sword. Zhong Kui speaks of his vow to guard the realm by driving away evil spirits with his sword, then offers his blessing.