Ilmun Han, Lord of the Underworld
Manchu · deity · Manchu traditional religion; continuing · deity
Ilmun Han ('King of the Underworld') is the ruler of the realm of the dead in Manchu religion and the chief antagonist of the Tale of the Nišan Shamaness, the central Manchu shamanic epic. In the tale the soul of the dead boy Sergudai Fiyanggo is carried into Ilmun Han's walled underworld city; the shamaness Nišan descends, outwits the lord's servant Monggoldai Nakcu and snatches the soul back to the living world against the will of the king of the dead. The figure corresponds to the Inner Asian and Buddhist lord of the dead (Yama / Erlik Khan) drawn into Manchu lore.
Domains
- underworld and the dead
- judgement of souls
Powers
- to rule the land of the dead and hold the souls of the departed
Epithets
- Ilmun Han
Relations
- enemy: Nišan, the Shamaness