Doctor Who: 10 Myths And Legends That Should Be Explored
7. Inugami
Although Doctor Who occasionally journeys to the Far East for some adventures, there have been surprisingly few stories set in Japan over the past fifty-one years. And while exploring the feudal period should be the top priority for a potential Japan-based story, a close second is delving into the countrys often complex folklore and mythology. Appearing in Japanese mythology, the Inugami (Japanese for Dog God) are anthropomorphic canine spirits that are masters of black magic and capable of possessing and manipulating humans. They are summoned by means of an incredibly cruel ceremony that involves starving and then beheading a dog and are generally used by humans for criminal purposes. Which seems like it would be a perfect set-up for another mans inhumanity to other species story in the vein of Planet Of The Ood (2008). Broadly it seems like the idea would be that the Inugami are actually a placid alien species being manipulated by the shadier elements of Japanese society, who then find themselves in trouble when the Inugami become blinded by rage and turn on their masters - as is mentioned in the folklore surrounding them. And then enter the Doctor to sort everything out before the violence goes too far. Admittedly a retread of Planet Of The Ood but hopefully a story outline that could stand on its own two feet. Or four legs as the case may be.
JG Moore is a writer and filmmaker from the south of England. He also works as an editor and VFX artist, and has a BA in Media Production from the University Of Winchester.
