Hello, I am writing a book that involves a lot of symbolism and is set in the Edo period (could change depending on research). I intend for the story to follow a ronin who finds himself intertwined with another samurai like figure. The method at which these two will meet will be decided after more research is done, as of now I plan for them to meet through a bounty. Though, the antagonist I plan to be a humanoid crow. I intend to do this to represent the antagonist as fate, death, and the afterlife (change in oneself).
Though, while researching Japanese language, colloquialisms, beliefs, interactions with other cultures (the Spanish and other Asian cultures), along with general history to remain accurate to the time period I am representing. Unfortunately, while researching I couldn’t find a reliable method to determine that the crow represents a similar symbolism in Japanese culture as it does in my culture.
However、 while researching I did come across a 神 named 八咫烏. From my understanding 八咫烏 actually originated from china, or at the very least was an idea existing around the same time as the Chinese three-legged crow. I do understand that 八咫烏 has a symbolism for each of the three legs, often representing heaven, earth, and man, respectively.
I was curious if in this book the common crow, or 八咫烏 would represent fate in a way that remains accurate to the source. Or if neither of these work at all.
Sorry if any of the characters typed are incorrect, I am learning many of these words for the first time in Japanese as I am researching this topic.
by CommenDark