The Mu-on'na (無女, むおんな, "Nothing Woman"), or Unmother, is a yōkai that is born through the grief of mother's suffering the loss of children to famine and war. The Unmother absorbs a person's soul by absorbing their body into herself.
History
This yōkai posed itself as Inuyasha's mother, Izayoi, as a ploy by Sesshōmaru to locate the Tessaiga. She pretended that she was on the verge of death so Inuyasha would rescue her. She then transported Inuyasha and Kagome to an illusionary world. The yōkai tried to absorb Inuyasha into her body but was first prevented by Jaken until the location of Inuyasha's and Sesshomaru's father's tomb could be found. After Jaken was knocked aside, she once again tried to absorb Inuyasha despite Kagome's attempts to stop her, and almost succeeded with only his left arm remaining. Shortly after Kagome freed Inuyasha from the Unmother's body, Sesshōmaru started attacking Inuyasha. Due to her endless love and kindness towards children, she rushed to the side of Inuyasha to protect him from Sesshōmaru's attack, which lead to her death.
Personality
The Unmother seeks to fill the void within herself by taking the souls of others. Myōga stated that while she was a demon, she still possessed the heart of a loving mother.
Physical appearance
It is unknown whether all Unmothers look the same or similar but the Unmother that Jaken used wore a pink robe with blue lining and was faceless except when she used her spells to take on the form of a person's mother. Their skin resembles something of a soft gelatin that allows a body to be sucked into her but also protects the Unmother from certain attacks, such as when Jaken smashed her with the Nintōjō while the Unmother was attempting to absorb Inuyasha.
Powers & Abilities
- Shapeshifting: The Nothing Woman's primary ability is to transform into the mother of its victim's mother. An example is Izayoi. The Nothing Woman took the form of Inuyasha's mother to make him reveal the location of Tessaiga. Though she had her body right, she didn't have her face so she needed to use illusions to look like the real deal. It is unknown what happens to the soul and body of someone that is absorbed by the Unmother. The Unmother is a master of illusions so long as there is water for her spell to work.
- Absorption: It is able to steal the souls its victims by absorbing them through its chest.
- Blessing: It is able to create flowers that are placed in limbo, which can provide protection & is capable of creating illusions, & teleporting victims to limbo.
- Telepathy: It can read minds, thoughts and memories of a person by touch, but generally doesn't do so since its primary concern is absorbing its victim's soul.
- Regeneration: It can easily heal its body of less severe injuries, such as when she dislocated her neck.
Trivia
- Like all female characters in the manga, the Nothing Woman's nipples are visible.
- When Kagome splashed the reflections with Jaken's staff to save Inuyasha, the yōkai yelled in pain. This shows that they are bound to her.