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| nameAlt = New Hell<ref name="HSTSSui">''[[Touhou Hisoutensoku]]'': [[Touhou Hisoutensoku/Translation/Suika's Script|Suika's Script]]</ref><ref name="SoPmPrt4">''[[Symposium of Post-mysticism]]'': [[Symposium of Post-mysticism/Part 4|Part 4]]</ref>
| nameAlt = New Hell<ref name="HSTSSui">''[[Touhou Hisoutensoku]]'': [[Touhou Hisoutensoku/Translation/Suika's Script|Suika's Script]]</ref><ref name="SoPmPrt4">''[[Symposium of Post-mysticism]]'': [[Symposium of Post-mysticism/Part 4|Part 4]]</ref>
| image = [[File:Th01RottingWorldofFlame.png|335px]]
| image = [[File:Th01RottingWorldofFlame.png|335px]]
| caption = The Rotting World of Flame within PC-98's Hell, in [[Highly Responsive to Prayers]]
| caption = The Rotting World of Flames of Hell as seen in [[Highly Responsive to Prayers]]
| location = *A gate near the [[Hakurei Shrine]] ([[PC-98]])
| location = *A gate near the [[Hakurei Shrine]] ([[PC-98]])
*Beyond [[Higan]]<ref name="JPWikiGensou">Japanese Wikipedia: {{lang|ja|[[Wikipedia:ja:幻想郷|幻想郷]]}}</ref> ([[Windows]])
*Beyond [[Sai no Kawara]]<ref name="WBaWC">[[Wily Beast and Weakest Creature]]</ref> ([[Windows]])
*Other Hells from Earth, [[Moon]] and [[Dream World]]
*Other Hells from the Earth, [[Moon]] and [[Dream World]]
| residents = *[[Eiki Shiki, Yamaxanadu]] (Gensokyo's Hell)
| residents = *[[Mima]] (Hell, Formerly)
*[[Kikuri]] (Rotting World of Flames)
*[[Konngara]] (Silent Temple)
*[[Eiki Shiki, Yamaxanadu]] (Gensokyo's Hell)
*[[Komachi Onozuka]] (Gensokyo's Hell)
*[[Komachi Onozuka]] (Gensokyo's Hell)
*[[Hecatia Lapislazuli]] (Hell Goddess of Earth, [[Moon]] and the [[Dream World]])
*[[Hecatia Lapislazuli]] (Hell's Goddess)
*[[Clownpiece]] (Earth's Hell, Unknown)
*[[Clownpiece]] (Earth's Hell, Formerly)
*[[Rin Kaenbyou]] (Gensokyo's Hell, Formerly)<ref name="SARei&Sui">''[[Subterranean Animism]]'': [[Subterranean Animism/Story/Reimu and Suika's Scenario|Reimu and Suika's Scenario]]</ref>
*[[Rin Kaenbyou]] (Gensokyo's Hell, Formerly)<ref name="SARei&Sui">''[[Subterranean Animism]]'': [[Subterranean Animism/Story/Reimu and Suika's Scenario|Reimu and Suika's Scenario]]</ref>
*[[Konngara]] (PC-98's Hell)
| appOfficialgames = *''[[Highly Responsive to Prayers]]'' (Stages 6-20, Hell route)
*[[Kikuri]] (PC-98's Hell)
*''[[Perfect Cherry Blossom]]'' (Referenced)
*[[Mima]] (PC-98's Hell, Formerly)
*''[[Phantasmagoria of Flower View]]'' (Referenced)
| appOfficialgames = *''[[Highly Responsive to Prayers]]'' (Stages 6-20 Hell route)
*''[[Legacy of Lunatic Kingdom]]'' (Referenced)
*''[[Perfect Cherry Blossom]]'' (Referenced in game)
*''[[Wily Beast and Weakest Creature]]'' (Main setting)  
*''[[Phantasmagoria of Flower View]]'' (Backstory references)
*''[[Legacy of Lunatic Kingdom]]'' (Backstory references)
| appPrintworks = *''[[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense]]'' (Often Referenced)
| appPrintworks = *''[[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense]]'' (Often Referenced)
*''[[Cage in Lunatic Runagate]]'' (Chapter 3 cameo reference)
*''[[Cage in Lunatic Runagate]]'' (Chapter 3 cameo)
*''[[Symposium of Post-mysticism]]'' (Referenced)
*''[[Alternative Facts in Eastern Utopia]]'' (Referenced)
*''[[Wild and Horned Hermit]]'' (Chapters 47-50)
*''[[Visionary Fairies in Shrine]]'' (Chapter 4 cameo, chapter 14 cameo)
}}{{Distinguish|Former Hell}}
}}{{Distinguish|Former Hell}}
{{nihongo|'''Hell'''|地獄|Jigoku}}, also {{nihongo|'''New Hell'''|新地獄|Shin Jigoku}}<ref name="HSTSSui" /><ref name="SoPmPrt4" />, is an enigmatic realm that's technically not part of [[Gensokyo]], where it is a prison for souls after death that's managed by the [[yama]].<ref name="SoPmPrt4" /> They'll be judged by the yama at [[Higan]], and they can either go to [[Heaven]], the [[Netherworld]] or here in Hell. The reason they'll come here is because they have sinned in their previous life, and thus must spend eternity in this prison. It is not to be confused with {{nihongo|[[Makai]]|魔界}} as it is a place for the afterlife, not merely a place where [[demon]]s and strong [[youkai]] live. Whilst Hell is a frequent subject in the [[Windows]] era of the ''[[Touhou Project]]'', it has yet to make a physical appearance. However, sources such as ''[[Legacy of Lunatic Kingdom]]'' suggests that more than one Hell exists.
{{nihongo|'''Hell'''|地獄|Jigoku}}, also {{nihongo|'''New Hell'''|新地獄|Shin Jigoku}}<ref name="HSTSSui" /><ref name="SoPmPrt4" />, is a collection of realms seperate from [[Gensokyo]] where sinful souls are imprisoned.<ref name="SoPmPrt4" /> It is not to be confused with [[Former Hell]], the previous location of Gensokyo's own Hell, or [[Makai]], a similarly hellish realm filled with [[demon|demons]].  


==General Information==
==General Information==
As already stated, sources such as ''[[Legacy of Lunatic Kingdom]]'' suggests that more than one Hell exists in the ''[[Touhou Project]]''. The most common Hell referenced in Touhou is the one managed by the [[yama]] that's loosely connected to [[Gensokyo]]. Each known Hell is separated in each section below.
Hell is a collection of realms of the afterlife where one's soul is condemned to be imprisoned and tortured. Each world has it's own Hell and every Hell is managed by a coalition of [[yama]] and [[kishin]] called [[Perfect_Memento_in_Strict_Sense/Yama#The_Ministry_of_Right_and_Wrong|The Ministry of Right and Wrong]]. Hell is one of many realms of the afterlife one may go to after being judged by a yama at [[Higan]], with the other two major realms being [[Heaven]] and the [[Netherworld]].  


===Hell connected to Gensokyo===
===Basis===
Hell was originally located in the [[Underworld]] in the exact location of [[Former Hell]]. At an unknown time (believed to be before ''[[Embodiment of Scarlet Devil]]''), Hell moved to a new location due to over-population, and thus the place now called "Former Hell" became a forgotten land for [[vengeful spirit]]s. It was later that the [[oni]] were given permission to live in the Former Hell, making it their paradise, and the subterranean [[youkai]] had to keep an eye on the vengeful spirits. [[Rin Kaenbyou]] made reference that she's lived here ever since Former Hell really was Hell.<ref name="SARei&Sui" /> Because of the Former Hell, the current Hell can be referred to as the "New Hell".<ref name="HSTSSui" /><ref name="SoPmPrt4" /> The New Hell is now located beyond [[Higan]].<ref name="JPWikiGensou" />
Japanese mythology's Hell (地獄 ''Jigoku'' lit. "Earth Prison") is based on the Chinese mythological realm of the same name, pronounced "[[wikipedia:Diyu|Diyu]]" and is not to be confused with the [[Shinto]] underworld, [[wikipedia:Yomi|Yomi]]. The Hell of China and Japan was based on a mixture of tradtional pre-Buddhist beliefs and the Buddhist concept of [[wikipedia:Naraka_(Buddhism)|Naraka]], itself being based on the Hindu [[wikipedia:Naraka_(Hinduism)|Naraka]]. In Japan's tradition, souls must cross the [[wikipedia:Sanzu_River|Sanzu River]] to be judged at Higan. Souls are judged by ten judges known as the [https://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/sai-no-kawara.html#10kings Ten Kings of Hell] and are accordingly sent to whatever realm their lives' actions deserved. The main paths of the afterlife one may be sent to are called the [https://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/six-states.shtml Six Realms]. Hell is the lowest realm, being succeeded by the [[wikipedia:Preta|Preta]] Realm, Animal Realm, Human Realm, [[wikipedia:Asura_(Buddhism)|Asura]] Realm and [[wikipedia:Deva_(Buddhism)|Deva]] Realm, also known as Heaven. There are many Hells within Hell in Buddhism, with each having a specialized torture suited for every particular kind of sinner. One's time in Hell, as in the other five realms, is not eternal, however. It may take many millennia but souls eventually burn up all their negative karma and are reincarnated in a new realm, as is the eternal cycle of [[wikipedia:Samsara_(Buddhism)|Samsara]].


According to [[Buddhism]], there are ten yama for each Hell, where one of these known yama is [[Eiki Shiki, Yamaxanadu]] who belongs to the [[Ministry of Right and Wrong]].<ref name="PMiSSYama">''[[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense]]'': [[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense/Yama|Yama's article]]</ref> [[Shinigami]] are also known to live in Hell, who will guide and explain the details to the souls who are unfamiliar to the system of Hell due to their knowledge.<ref name="PMiSSShinigami">''[[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense]]'': [[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense/Shinigami|Shinigami's article]]</ref> Unlike the [[Netherworld]], Hell is smaller,<ref name="PMiSSYuyuko">''[[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense]]'': [[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense/Yuyuko Saigyouji|Yuyuko's article]]</ref> but apparently extremely spacious.<ref name="SoPmSatori">''[[Symposium of Post-mysticism]]'': [[Symposium of Post-mysticism/Satori Komeiji|Satori's article]]</ref> It is also desolate and not calm,<ref name="PMiSSNetherworld">''[[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense]]'': [[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense/Netherworld|Netherworld's article]]</ref> hence a wide array of torture devices could be used on the souls, but there are current economic conditions mean that many of these contraptions are in serious need of maintenance and repair.<ref name="PMiSSYama" />
===Gensokyo's Hell===
Gensokyo's Hell was originally located in the [[Underworld]], in what is now called [[Former Hell]]. At an unknown time (possibly before the events of ''[[Embodiment of Scarlet Devil]]''), Gensokyo's Hell moved into a new location due to over-population. [[Rin Kaenbyou]] stated that she's lived in Former Hell ever since it really was Hell.<ref name="SARei&Sui" /> Because of the existence of Former Hell, the Gensokyo's current Hell is sometimes referred to as "New Hell".<ref name="HSTSSui" /><ref name="SoPmPrt4" /> The New Hell is now located beyond Sai no Kawara, which is near the [[Sanzu River]].<ref name="WBaWC" />


Hell's facilities naturally must be expanded in order to accommodate the increasing population.<ref name="PMiSSKomachi">''[[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense]]'': [[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense/Komachi Onozuka|Komachi Onozuka's article]]</ref> However, due to financing issues, Hell had reached the point where it could no longer sustain itself merely from the ferrying fees levied on the departed.<ref name="PMiSSRoL">''[[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense]]'': [[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense/Road of Liminality|Road of Liminality's article]]</ref> Thus, the primary sources of income are fares from those crossing the [[River Sanzu]], as well as concession stands and food carts operating on the [[Road of Liminality]] in an attempt to earn some more money.<ref name="PMiSSYama" /><ref name="PMiSSRoL" /> As such, Hell can receive some money even from both the dead who aren't going there and from the living. However, those who run the stands are all criminals who were sentenced to Hell, so it's said many fall victim to their tricks. However, as soon as they're discovered, they're sent back to Hell. [[Hieda no Akyuu]] suggests that it's something like a graduation test from Hell. It is also known that [[Komachi Onozuka]]'s boat was supplied by Hell for her to cross the River Sanzu, but it's old and worn due to finance issues.<ref name="PMiSSKomachi" />
Gensokyo's current [[yama]] is a former [[Jizou|Jizo statue]] named [[Eiki Shiki]].<ref name="PMiSSYama">''[[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense]]'': [[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense/Yama|Yama]]</ref> [[Shinigami]], who serve yama, are also known to operate in Hell and guide and explain the afterlife's details to the souls who are unfamiliar with its workings<ref name="PMiSSShinigami">''[[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense]]'': [[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense/Shinigami|Shinigami]]</ref> Unlike the [[Netherworld]], Hell is smaller,<ref name="PMiSSYuyuko">''[[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense]]'': [[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense/Yuyuko Saigyouji|Yuyuko Saigyouji]]</ref> but apparently extremely spacious.<ref name="SoPmSatori">''[[Symposium of Post-mysticism]]'': [[Symposium of Post-mysticism/Satori Komeiji|Satori Komeiji]]</ref> It is also desolate and far from being calm.<ref name="PMiSSNetherworld">''[[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense]]'': [[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense/Netherworld|Netherworld]]</ref> A wide array of torture devices are used to torture sinful souls, but there are current economic conditions that left many of these contraptions in serious need of maintenance and repair.<ref name="PMiSSYama" />


====Rules====
Hell's facilities naturally must be expanded in order to accommodate the increasing population.<ref name="PMiSSKomachi">''[[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense]]'': [[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense/Komachi Onozuka|Komachi Onozuka]]</ref> However, due to financing issues, Hell has reached the point where it could no longer sustain itself merely from the ferrying fees levied on the departed.<ref name="PMiSSRoL">''[[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense]]'': [[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense/Road of Liminality|Road of Liminality]]</ref> Thus, the primary sources of income are fares from those crossing the Sanzu River, as well as concession stands and food carts operating on the [[Road of Liminality]] in an attempt to earn some more money.<ref name="PMiSSYama" /><ref name="PMiSSRoL" /> Hell can receive some money even from both the dead who aren't going there and from the living. However, those who run the stands are all criminals who were sentenced to Hell, so it's said many fall victim to their tricks. But as soon as they're discovered, they're sent back to Hell. It is also known that [[Komachi Onozuka]]'s boat was supplied to her by Hell so she could cross the Sanzu River, but it's still old and worn due to finance issues.<ref name="PMiSSKomachi" />
Once a soul has finally made it across the [[Road of Liminality]] and the [[River Sanzu]] to [[Higan]], they'll wait there. Once they've being finally judged by the ten yama and were sent to Hell, then the soul will fall outside the cycle of reincarnation temporarily. On their journey, the [[kishin]] chiefs will take charge as the souls fall down to Hell and will command the lesser [[oni]] in their torment of the deceased.<ref name="PMiSSYama" /> [[Komachi Onozuka]] mentions that the oni of Hell are disciplined and injustices is quite rare, while the oni of [[Former Hell]] have too many close relationships with the ghosts of sinners, making them not wanting to leave.<ref name="HSTSKomachi">''[[Touhou Hisoutensoku]]'': [[Touhou Hisoutensoku/Translation/Komachi's Script|Komachi's Script]]</ref> Every hundred years, [[assassin]]s from Hell will come and assassinate [[hermit]]s and [[celestial]]s. This is because even living is considered a sin, and thus it's necessary to perform pious acts to compensate for them.<ref name="PMiSSHermits">''[[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense]]'': [[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense/Hermits|Hermit's article]]</ref> This was shown to happen to [[Seiga Kaku]] in [[Wild and Horned Hermit]] chapter 12, where kishin chief [[Suiki]] was sent to assassinate her.


In order to avoid going to Hell in the afterlife, one must simply not commit a sin during their life. Even committing suicide will send you to Hell.<ref name="BAiJRHakugyokurou">''[[Bohemian Archive in Japanese Red]]'': [[Bohemian Archive in Japanese Red/Hakugyokurou|Hakugyokurou]]</ref> Even in free time, Eiki has an habit of lecturing people in the hope that they will change for the better so she won't have to send them to Hell, as shown in ''[[Phantasmagoria of Flower View]]''. It's suggested from this game that even though you've sinned, you can still redeem yourself by changing your lifestyle, thus not going to Hell. Eiki says that Hell doesn't exists to punish sinners, but to ensure that nobody sins.<ref name="PoFVMarisa">''[[Phantasmagoria of Flower View]]'': [[Phantasmagoria of Flower View/Story/Marisa's Scenario|Marisa's Scenario]]</ref>
====Process====
Once a soul has finally made it across the [[Road of Liminality]] and the [[Sanzu River]] to [[Higan]], they'll wait there to be judged. Once they've been finally judged by the yama and are sent to Hell, the soul will fall outside the cycle of reincarnation temporarily. On their journey, the [[kishin]] chiefs will take charge as the souls fall down to Hell and will command the lesser [[oni]] to torment them.<ref name="PMiSSYama" /> [[Komachi Onozuka]] mentions that the oni of Hell are disciplined and injustices is quite rare, while the oni of [[Former Hell]] have too many close relationships with the ghosts of sinners, making them forgo their jobs Hell and choosing to stay in Former Hell.<ref name="HSTSKomachi">''[[Touhou Hisoutensoku]]'': [[Touhou Hisoutensoku/Translation/Komachi's Script|Komachi's Script]]</ref> Every hundred years, [[assassin]]s from Hell will come to the surface to try and assassinate impious [[hermit]]s and [[celestial]]s. This is because extending life past normal mortality is considered a sin. It's necessary for those extending their lives to perform pious acts to compensate for it.<ref name="PMiSSHermits">''[[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense]]'': [[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense/Hermits|Hermits]]</ref> This happened to [[Seiga Kaku]] in ''[[Wild and Horned Hermit]]'' chapter 12, where a kishin chief named [[Suiki]] was sent to assassinate her.


[[Yuyuko Saigyouji]]'s ability to manipulate departed souls enables her to manipulate [[ghost]]s and spirits, where she is able to let those from Hell stay eternally in the Netherworld. However, Yuyuko could also send a soul from the Netherworld to Hell by commanding her servant [[Youmu Konpaku]] to sever the circle of transmigration with her sword, then send it back to [[Higan]], making it very likely that the soul will go to Hell.<ref name="PMiSSYuyuko" />
In order to avoid going to Hell in the afterlife, one must simply not commit sin during their life. Even committing suicide will send you to Hell.<ref name="BAiJRHakugyokurou">''[[Bohemian Archive in Japanese Red]]'': [[Bohemian Archive in Japanese Red/Hakugyokurou|Hakugyokurou]]</ref> Even in her free time, Eiki has an habit of lecturing people in the hopes that they will change for the better so she won't have to send them to Hell, as shown in ''[[Phantasmagoria of Flower View]]''. It's suggested from the game that even though you've sinned, you can still redeem yourself by changing your lifestyle, thus not going to Hell. Eiki says that Hell doesn't exist to punish sinners, but to ensure that nobody sins.<ref name="PoFVMarisa">''[[Phantasmagoria of Flower View]]'': [[Phantasmagoria of Flower View/Story/Marisa's Scenario|Marisa's Scenario]]</ref>


According to Hecatia Laspislazuli, Hell wasn't always a place that served to rehabilitating human criminals. It was originally created by ''people unaccustomed to living virtuously, people with hearts of pure evil, and valorous people who seek true freedom'', and was meant to be a place for them to live however they wanted, with no concept of being a bother to others. Things like the Lake of Blood or the Sea of Fire were used for personal pleasures like drinking and roasting meat rather than as a punishment. This changed when the [[Yama]] and Kishin took over trying to create order in such a chaotic world, saying they'd bring Hell back to its former glory. Despite this, Hell continues to be what can be considered a world of pure freedom run by an absolutely meritocratic system, where it doesn't matter who one is as long as they have the power to back it up, making it possible for even fairies to become important if they get the job done. Similarly, this also makes it possible for even kishin to become irrilevant with even just a failure.<ref> [[Alternative Facts in Eastern Utopia]] - Interview with Hecatia Lapislazuli</ref>
[[Yuyuko Saigyouji]]'s ability to manipulate departed souls enables her to control [[ghost]]s and spirits, making her able to let those from Hell stay eternally in the Netherworld. However, Yuyuko could also send a soul from the Netherworld to Hell by commanding her servant [[Youmu Konpaku]] to sever the circle of transmigration with her sword, sending it back to [[Higan]], making it very likely that the soul will go to Hell.<ref name="PMiSSYuyuko" />


===Other forms of Hell===
According to Hecatia Laspislazuli, Hell wasn't always a place that served to rehabilitate human criminals. It was originally created by ''people unaccustomed to living virtuously, people with hearts of pure evil, and valorous people who seek true freedom'', and was meant to be a place for them to live however they wanted, with no concept of being a bother to others. Things like the Lake of Blood or the Sea of Fire were used for personal pleasures like drinking and roasting meat rather than as a punishment. This changed when the [[yama]] and kishin took over, trying to create order in such a chaotic world, saying they'd bring Hell back to its former glory. Despite this, Hell continues to be what can be considered a world of pure freedom run by an absolutely meritocratic system, where it doesn't matter who one is as long as they have the power to back it up, making it possible for even fairies to become important if they get the job done. Likewise, this also makes it possible for even kishin to become irrelevant with just one failure.<ref> [[Alternative Facts in Eastern Utopia]] - Interview with Hecatia Lapislazuli</ref>
====Hecatia Lapislazuli's Hell====
According to [[Hecatia Lapislazuli]]'s official profile of ''[[Legacy of Lunatic Kingdom]]'', she is the [[God]]dess of Hell, but it also states that there is a Hell for Earth, the [[Moon]] and the Otherworlds, where she governs all of them. Not much is known about these Hells. She holds a grudge against [[Chang'e]] because her husband, Houyi, shot down the sun, taking away the light Hell needs to exist, because without it, there would be no shadows and they'll become weak. [[Fairy|Fairies]] are known to be found anywhere, where Hell is not an exception. They, along with [[Clownpiece]], originally come from Earth's Hell, where under Hecatia's orders, immigrated to the [[Sea of Tranquility]] on the Moon in order to threaten the [[Lunar Capital]]. It became a fairy paradise that's said to be more comfortable than Hell, suggesting how awful the environment in Hell is. These fairies were transformed into pure lifeforce by [[Junko]]. According to Clownpiece, these refined fairy's energy exceeds even that of a [[kishin]].<ref name="LoLKReisen">''[[Legacy of Lunatic Kingdom]]'': [[Legacy of Lunatic Kingdom/Story/Reisen's Scenario|Reisen's Scenario]]</ref>


====PC-98's Hell====
===Non-Gensokyo Hells===
[[File:Th01Hokora.png|thumb|200px|Hokora in [[PC-98]]'s Hell]]There was also a Hell in the [[PC-98]], but due to the [[canon]]icity between the PC-98 and the Windows era, there is a difference between the Hell of both eras. ZUN wanted a "clean sweep" from the PC-98, but he stated that the settings for the PC-98 and Windows are essentially the same,<ref name="ZUNAWAQ&AP">[[ZUN's AWA Q&A Panel]]</ref> but this is troublesome due to different forms of Hell. However, he said to take reference from the Windows era to consider what is canon. Regardless however, in the PC-98 canon, there isn't really much known about Hell. A gate is located not far from the [[Hakurei Shrine]] that leads to Hell. Within Hell, there is {{nihongo|"Hokora"<ref name="HRtPEnding">''[[Highly Responsive to Prayers]]'': Endings</ref>|祠}}, a place that's presumably where [[Mima]] originated as a [[vengeful spirit]]. There is also the {{nihongo|"Rotting World of Flame"<ref name="HRtPEnding" />|炎の腐界|Honoo no Fukai}} where [[Kikuri]] appears, and the {{nihongo|"Silent Temple"<ref name="HRtPEnding"/>|静かなる神殿|Shizukanaru Shinden}} where [[Konngara]] resides.
According to [[Hecatia Lapislazuli]]'s official profile in ''[[Legacy of Lunatic Kingdom]]'', she is the [[God|Goddess]] of Hell and there's a Hell for Earth, the [[Moon]] and the Otherworlds, and she governs all of them, being at the top of the Ministry of Right and Wrong. Not much is known about these Hells. She holds a grudge against [[Chang'e]] because her husband, Houyi, shot down her suns, taking away the light Hell needs to exist, because without it, there would be no shadows and the place would become weak. [[Fairy|Fairies]] are known to be found anywhere and Hell is not an exception. They, along with [[Clownpiece]], originally come from Earth's Hell and were, under Hecatia's orders, immigrated to the [[Sea of Tranquility]] on the Moon in order to threaten the [[Lunar Capital]]. The Capital then temporarily became a fairy paradise that was said to be more comfortable than Hell, suggesting how awful the environment in Hell is. These fairies were transformed into pure lifeforce by [[Junko]] in order to accomplish this. According to Clownpiece, these refined fairies' energies exceeds even that of a [[kishin]].<ref name="LoLKReisen">''[[Legacy of Lunatic Kingdom]]'': [[Legacy of Lunatic Kingdom/Story/Reisen's Scenario|Reisen's Scenario]]. It is currently unknown if Earth's Hell is the same as Gensokyo's Hell.</ref>
 
In ''[[Lotus Land Story]]'', [[Reimu Hakurei]] mentions about chasing [[Yuuka Kazami]] to the depths of Hell, while Yuuka says that she's not from Hell. It's unknown which Hell they're referring to, but it could just be generic.


==Hell's Appearances==
==Hell's Appearances==
[[File:Th01Hokora.png|thumb|200px|Hokora in [[PC-98]]'s Hell]]
[[File:Th01SilentTemple.png|thumb|200px|The Silent Temple in [[PC-98]]'s Hell]]
[[File:Th01SilentTemple.png|thumb|200px|The Silent Temple in [[PC-98]]'s Hell]]
===PC-98 Games===
===PC-98 games===
;''Highly Responsive to Prayers''
;''Highly Responsive to Prayers''
Hell first appeared in ''[[Highly Responsive to Prayers]]'' and it is one of the main locations of the game. [[Reimu Hakurei]] discovered a portal that had opened in her shrine. A being from either here or [[Makai]] came and destroyed the [[Hakurei Shrine]], so Reimu has to go out and put a stop to their reckless nature. After beating the [[boss]] [[SinGyoku]] on [[Stage]] 5, the player will then decide which route to take: Makai or Hell. If they chose Hell, then the rest of the game will occur through here. Stages 6-10 takes place at Hokora, where the boss of Stage 10 is [[Mima]]. Once she is defeated, Reimu shall now go through the Rotting World of Flame on Stages 11-15. The Stage 15 boss is [[Kikuri]], who is some sort of a moon disk that will try and put a stop to Reimu. Once she is defeated, Reimu will spend the final 5 stages at the Silent Temple, where she'll meet [[Konngara]], the Final Boss, who must be defeated in order to clear the game.
Hell first appeared in ''[[Highly Responsive to Prayers]]'', with a gate located not far from the [[Hakurei Shrine]] that leads to it. Hell serves as the location of the second route of the game (the first being [[Makai]]), choosable after defeating [[SinGyoku]], the [[Stage]] 5 [[boss]]. The game shows three places - {{nihongo|Hokora<ref name="HRtPEnding">''[[Highly Responsive to Prayers]]'': Endings</ref>|祠}}, where [[Mima]] presumably originated as an [[evil spirit]], the {{nihongo|Rotting World of Flames<ref name="HRtPEnding" />|炎の腐界|Honoo no Fukai}} where [[Kikuri]] appears, and the {{nihongo|Silent Temple<ref name="HRtPEnding"/>|静かなる神殿|Shizukanaru Shinden}} where [[Konngara]] resides.
 
===Windows games===
;''Wily Beast and Weakest Creature''
Hell serves as one of the focal points of the game's story, due to Hell's internal strife, the animal spirits were able to reach the surface from the Animal Realm by going through Hell. Hell is where [[Yachie Kicchou]] directed the protagonists towards the animal realm as a part of her scheme to defeat [[Keiki Haniyasushin]]. The protagonists also fought [[Saki Kurokoma]] in a particularly stormy area in Hell in an attempt to prevent her from conquering the surface.


==Additional Information==
==Additional Information==
*Even though a vast amount of information is provided about Hell that's spread throughout the ''[[Touhou Project]]'', it was not given a centred article in ''[[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense]]''.
*Even though a vast amount of information is provided about Hell that's spread throughout the ''[[Touhou Project]]'', it was not given a centred article in ''[[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense]]''.
*The [[Dragon (God)|dragon god]] can come to Hell any time he wants.<ref name="PMiSSDragon">''[[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense]]'': [[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense/Dragon|Dragon's article]]</ref>
*The [[Dragon (Species)|dragon deities]] can freely travel to Hell, the Netherworld and the Outside World.<ref name="PMiSSDragon">''[[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense]]'': [[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense/Dragon|Dragons]]</ref>
*[[Sakuya Izayoi]] suggests that [[Makai]] is scarier than Hell,<ref name="PCBSakuyaEX">''[[Perfect Cherry Blossom]]'': [[Perfect Cherry Blossom/Story/Sakuya's Extra|Sakuya's Extra Scenario]]</ref> and [[Remilia Scarlet]] claims that not even the fires of Hell could burn her body,<ref name="SaBNDCh15">''[[Strange and Bright Nature Deity]]: Chapter 15</ref> even though she's a [[vampire]].
*[[Sakuya Izayoi]] suggests that [[Makai]] is scarier than Hell,<ref name="PCBSakuyaEX">''[[Perfect Cherry Blossom]]'': [[Perfect Cherry Blossom/Story/Sakuya's Extra|Sakuya's Extra Scenario]]</ref> and [[Remilia Scarlet]] claims that not even the fires of Hell could burn her body,<ref name="SaBNDCh15">''[[Strange and Bright Nature Deity]]: Chapter 15</ref> even though she's a [[vampire]].
*[[Hieda no Akyuu]] once worked for the [[yama]] for a hundred years in Hell when one of her next reincarnations was preparing.<ref name="PMiSSMonologue">''[[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense]]'': [[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense/Monologue|Monologue]]</ref>
*[[Hieda no Akyuu]] once worked for the [[yama]] for a hundred years in Hell when one of her next reincarnations was preparing.<ref name="PMiSSMonologue">''[[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense]]'': [[Perfect Memento in Strict Sense/Monologue|Monologue]]</ref>
Line 68: Line 75:


==See Also==
==See Also==
*Wikipedia's entry on [[Wikipedia:Hell|Hell]]
*Wikipedia's entry on [[wikipedia:Diyu|Diyu]]
*Wikipedia's entry on [[wikipedia:Naraka_(Buddhism)|Naraka]]


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 03:29, 24 August 2019

地獄 (じごく)
Hell
d͡ʑiɡ̃o̞kɯᵝ
New Hell[1][2]
Th01RottingWorldofFlame.png
The Rotting World of Flames of Hell as seen in Highly Responsive to Prayers
Location
Residents
Appearances
Official Games
Print Works

Hell (地獄 Jigoku), also New Hell (新地獄 Shin Jigoku)[1][2], is a collection of realms seperate from Gensokyo where sinful souls are imprisoned.[2] It is not to be confused with Former Hell, the previous location of Gensokyo's own Hell, or Makai, a similarly hellish realm filled with demons.

General Information

Hell is a collection of realms of the afterlife where one's soul is condemned to be imprisoned and tortured. Each world has it's own Hell and every Hell is managed by a coalition of yama and kishin called The Ministry of Right and Wrong. Hell is one of many realms of the afterlife one may go to after being judged by a yama at Higan, with the other two major realms being Heaven and the Netherworld.

Basis

Japanese mythology's Hell (地獄 Jigoku lit. "Earth Prison") is based on the Chinese mythological realm of the same name, pronounced "Diyu" and is not to be confused with the Shinto underworld, Yomi. The Hell of China and Japan was based on a mixture of tradtional pre-Buddhist beliefs and the Buddhist concept of Naraka, itself being based on the Hindu Naraka. In Japan's tradition, souls must cross the Sanzu River to be judged at Higan. Souls are judged by ten judges known as the Ten Kings of Hell and are accordingly sent to whatever realm their lives' actions deserved. The main paths of the afterlife one may be sent to are called the Six Realms. Hell is the lowest realm, being succeeded by the Preta Realm, Animal Realm, Human Realm, Asura Realm and Deva Realm, also known as Heaven. There are many Hells within Hell in Buddhism, with each having a specialized torture suited for every particular kind of sinner. One's time in Hell, as in the other five realms, is not eternal, however. It may take many millennia but souls eventually burn up all their negative karma and are reincarnated in a new realm, as is the eternal cycle of Samsara.

Gensokyo's Hell

Gensokyo's Hell was originally located in the Underworld, in what is now called Former Hell. At an unknown time (possibly before the events of Embodiment of Scarlet Devil), Gensokyo's Hell moved into a new location due to over-population. Rin Kaenbyou stated that she's lived in Former Hell ever since it really was Hell.[4] Because of the existence of Former Hell, the Gensokyo's current Hell is sometimes referred to as "New Hell".[1][2] The New Hell is now located beyond Sai no Kawara, which is near the Sanzu River.[3]

Gensokyo's current yama is a former Jizo statue named Eiki Shiki.[5] Shinigami, who serve yama, are also known to operate in Hell and guide and explain the afterlife's details to the souls who are unfamiliar with its workings[6] Unlike the Netherworld, Hell is smaller,[7] but apparently extremely spacious.[8] It is also desolate and far from being calm.[9] A wide array of torture devices are used to torture sinful souls, but there are current economic conditions that left many of these contraptions in serious need of maintenance and repair.[5]

Hell's facilities naturally must be expanded in order to accommodate the increasing population.[10] However, due to financing issues, Hell has reached the point where it could no longer sustain itself merely from the ferrying fees levied on the departed.[11] Thus, the primary sources of income are fares from those crossing the Sanzu River, as well as concession stands and food carts operating on the Road of Liminality in an attempt to earn some more money.[5][11] Hell can receive some money even from both the dead who aren't going there and from the living. However, those who run the stands are all criminals who were sentenced to Hell, so it's said many fall victim to their tricks. But as soon as they're discovered, they're sent back to Hell. It is also known that Komachi Onozuka's boat was supplied to her by Hell so she could cross the Sanzu River, but it's still old and worn due to finance issues.[10]

Process

Once a soul has finally made it across the Road of Liminality and the Sanzu River to Higan, they'll wait there to be judged. Once they've been finally judged by the yama and are sent to Hell, the soul will fall outside the cycle of reincarnation temporarily. On their journey, the kishin chiefs will take charge as the souls fall down to Hell and will command the lesser oni to torment them.[5] Komachi Onozuka mentions that the oni of Hell are disciplined and injustices is quite rare, while the oni of Former Hell have too many close relationships with the ghosts of sinners, making them forgo their jobs Hell and choosing to stay in Former Hell.[12] Every hundred years, assassins from Hell will come to the surface to try and assassinate impious hermits and celestials. This is because extending life past normal mortality is considered a sin. It's necessary for those extending their lives to perform pious acts to compensate for it.[13] This happened to Seiga Kaku in Wild and Horned Hermit chapter 12, where a kishin chief named Suiki was sent to assassinate her.

In order to avoid going to Hell in the afterlife, one must simply not commit sin during their life. Even committing suicide will send you to Hell.[14] Even in her free time, Eiki has an habit of lecturing people in the hopes that they will change for the better so she won't have to send them to Hell, as shown in Phantasmagoria of Flower View. It's suggested from the game that even though you've sinned, you can still redeem yourself by changing your lifestyle, thus not going to Hell. Eiki says that Hell doesn't exist to punish sinners, but to ensure that nobody sins.[15]

Yuyuko Saigyouji's ability to manipulate departed souls enables her to control ghosts and spirits, making her able to let those from Hell stay eternally in the Netherworld. However, Yuyuko could also send a soul from the Netherworld to Hell by commanding her servant Youmu Konpaku to sever the circle of transmigration with her sword, sending it back to Higan, making it very likely that the soul will go to Hell.[7]

According to Hecatia Laspislazuli, Hell wasn't always a place that served to rehabilitate human criminals. It was originally created by people unaccustomed to living virtuously, people with hearts of pure evil, and valorous people who seek true freedom, and was meant to be a place for them to live however they wanted, with no concept of being a bother to others. Things like the Lake of Blood or the Sea of Fire were used for personal pleasures like drinking and roasting meat rather than as a punishment. This changed when the yama and kishin took over, trying to create order in such a chaotic world, saying they'd bring Hell back to its former glory. Despite this, Hell continues to be what can be considered a world of pure freedom run by an absolutely meritocratic system, where it doesn't matter who one is as long as they have the power to back it up, making it possible for even fairies to become important if they get the job done. Likewise, this also makes it possible for even kishin to become irrelevant with just one failure.[16]

Non-Gensokyo Hells

According to Hecatia Lapislazuli's official profile in Legacy of Lunatic Kingdom, she is the Goddess of Hell and there's a Hell for Earth, the Moon and the Otherworlds, and she governs all of them, being at the top of the Ministry of Right and Wrong. Not much is known about these Hells. She holds a grudge against Chang'e because her husband, Houyi, shot down her suns, taking away the light Hell needs to exist, because without it, there would be no shadows and the place would become weak. Fairies are known to be found anywhere and Hell is not an exception. They, along with Clownpiece, originally come from Earth's Hell and were, under Hecatia's orders, immigrated to the Sea of Tranquility on the Moon in order to threaten the Lunar Capital. The Capital then temporarily became a fairy paradise that was said to be more comfortable than Hell, suggesting how awful the environment in Hell is. These fairies were transformed into pure lifeforce by Junko in order to accomplish this. According to Clownpiece, these refined fairies' energies exceeds even that of a kishin.[17]

Hell's Appearances

Hokora in PC-98's Hell
The Silent Temple in PC-98's Hell

PC-98 games

Highly Responsive to Prayers

Hell first appeared in Highly Responsive to Prayers, with a gate located not far from the Hakurei Shrine that leads to it. Hell serves as the location of the second route of the game (the first being Makai), choosable after defeating SinGyoku, the Stage 5 boss. The game shows three places - Hokora[18] (), where Mima presumably originated as an evil spirit, the Rotting World of Flames[18] (炎の腐界 Honoo no Fukai) where Kikuri appears, and the Silent Temple[18] (静かなる神殿 Shizukanaru Shinden) where Konngara resides.

Windows games

Wily Beast and Weakest Creature

Hell serves as one of the focal points of the game's story, due to Hell's internal strife, the animal spirits were able to reach the surface from the Animal Realm by going through Hell. Hell is where Yachie Kicchou directed the protagonists towards the animal realm as a part of her scheme to defeat Keiki Haniyasushin. The protagonists also fought Saki Kurokoma in a particularly stormy area in Hell in an attempt to prevent her from conquering the surface.

Additional Information

See Also

  • Wikipedia's entry on Diyu
  • Wikipedia's entry on Naraka

References