Spirit of Mount Azusa

was the guardian of Mount Azusa and the sacred longbow. It was neither a yōkai nor a human, but a spiritual being or a god.

During the story
With Kikyō dying of miasma, she told Kagome that the only way to save her was to get the sacred longbow of Mount Azusa, but only if she truly wishes to save her. When Inuyasha and the group arrive at the mountain, only Kagome was able to get in through the barrier there. The spirit then transformed into Kikyō and took Kagome to the mausoleum. There it gave Kagome the bow and told her she was trapped in Naraku's spider webs; it then told her she could leave. The spirit lured Kagome to the side of the mountain with an illusion of Inuyasha. Kagome fell of the edge but was able hold on to a vine. The spirit then created an illusion of Kikyō and forced Kagome to face her fears about Inuyasha and Kikyō's relationship and her own insecurities. All the while the spirit itself hovered near Kagome and tempted her to let go of the bow. When Kagome was able to conquer her fears, the spirit stops the illusion and tells Kagome she could lift the bow now and that she was free of Naraku's spider webs. The spirit told Kagome to go and save Kikyō with the bow. The spirit let Kagome fall off the cliff knowing Inuyasha would save her.

Physical description
It originally appeared as human with no face and white long hair. According to Kikyō, the spirit can take of the appearance of what lies beneath a person's heart.

Powers & Abilities

 * Shape-shifting: The spirit was able to transform itself into any demon, god and human. By reading the confronting person's heart, it changes its appearance to their emotions, mainly someone they know.
 * Emotion sensing: The spirit can read the heart of anyone and know their feelings and emotions.
 * Barrier creation: The spirit had put up a barrier around the mountain that protected it. When someone tries to pass through they feel as if they are going no where and they never get any closer. Sometimes they are brought right back to the bottom of the mountain. The spirit can also choose who to let in without having to take the whole barrier down.
 * Illusions: The spirit is able to create illusions.
 * Flight: The spirit can fly or float midair much like many other characters shown.

Media appearances
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Manga

 * Chapter 456
 * Chapter 457
 * Chapter 458

Anime
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 * Episode 7 (FA)