Who mourns for her? The death and Re-death of Yakshi

Title

Who mourns for her? The death and Re-death of Yakshi

Creator

Jayan, Gokul

Description

In the Indian cultural lexicon, the term Yakshi refers to an enigmatic supernatural entity whose disposition can oscillate between benign and malevolent. This duality underscores the ambiguity and complexity inherent in traditional Indian narratives concerning gender and paranormal beings. In regional narratives from the southern state of Kerala, Yakshi embodies both demonic and divine essence. This phenomenon reflects a complex interaction between cultural beliefs, supernatural lore, and practices aimed at controlling or neutralising perceived threats from beyond the human realm. This paper focuses on investigating and delineating the progression leading to the death of Yakshi and analysing the subsequent integration into the natural environment. By examining literary/cultural narratives alongside gender and environmental symbolism, this study seeks to understand the transformation of Yakshi from a mythical figure to an intrinsic part of nature, particularly in the ambiguities surrounding Yakshis death, burial and mourning. 2026 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Source

Mortality;

Date

01-01-2026

Publisher

Routledge

Subject

Femme fatale; folklore; ghost; monstrous feminine; reincarnation; supernatural

Coverage

Jayan G., Department of English and Cultural Studies, Christ University, Bengaluru, India

Rights

Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library

Relation

ISSN: 13576275;

Format

online

Language

English

Type

Article

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1080/13576275.2026.2640412

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105032240105?origin=resultslist