The Hidden History Behind Marika and the Shaman's Origins... Elden Ring Lore Theory & Speculation

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The Shaman and Shaman Village make up some of the most interesting additions to Elden Ring's lore given to us in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. They not only better contextualize Messmer's crusade, but help us to understand Marika the eternals ascension to the throne of god-ruler of the lands between.

But for as much as I learned from this lore, I was also left with a ton of questions. Why do the Shaman appear to be blind? Why are they all women? Who is "the grandmother" of Shaman village? ...and why does the Hornsent Grandam call Marika a strumpet?

I welcome you tarnished, to join me, Zayf the Scholar, on a journey around the world and through history to answer these questions and more.

Intro: 00:00
Main: 02:22

Special thanks to the Kawazu Project for providing footage of the Itako!
You can find their work here:
Website: https://kawazu-projects.com/
YouTube Channel:    / @kawazuproject  

Additional footage of Osorezan licensed through Movie Japan.
Website: https://www.moviejapan.jp/

References:
Japanese Article on the Itako
https://www.nippon.com/ja/japan-topic...

Kotobank page on relevant Kanji readings
https://kotobank.jp/word/市子-433293

Some info on the Datsueba
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%A5%...

Mirko's Article:
  / shadow-of-the-erdtree-lost-in-translation-eng  

Last Protagonist Video You Should Watch:
   • Fear the Old Lore - The Jarsent  

Research Papers Referenced:
Miyazaki, F., & Williams, D. (2001). The intersection of the local and the translocal at a sacred site: The case of Osorezan in Tokugawa Japan. Japanese journal of religious studies, 399-440.

Kobayashi, H. H. (2013). The Miko and the Itako: The Role of Women in Contemporary Shinto Ritual. Senior Capstone Projects, 160.

Saka, C. (2022).Datsueba the Clothes Snatcher : The Evolution of a Japanese Folk Deity from Hell Figure to Popular Savior. BRILL. pp. 1–83

Sasamori, T. (1997). Therapeutic rituals performed by Itako (Japanese blind female shamans). The World of Music, 85-96.
Zanetta, M. (2017). The Itako of Tōhoku: Between Tradition and Change. Invention of Tradition and Syncretism in Contemporary Religions: Sacred Creativity, 29-50.

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