Key Points

- God of Death in Japanese Buddism 

- Ruler of Hell, judge of the dead and ultimate authority of the afterlife

- Frightening and demonic figure, but a fierce protector of children

Brief Bio 

King Enma, also known as Enma-ō or Great King Enma, is a figure from Japanese Buddhist mythology, derived from the Hindu god Yama (also known as King Yama). 

King Enma's primary role is to judge the souls of the deceased, determining whether they will be sent to heaven (Tengoku) or hell (Jigoku). He is the ruler of the Buddhist version of hell, known as Jigoku and Meido, and the chief judge of the dead. He meticulously records the good and bad deeds of every individual in a great scroll, which serves as evidence during the judgment process. Enma ensures that each soul in hell receives the appropriate level of punishment based on their actions. In essence, he's the ultimate authority in the afterlife, deciding where souls are sent based on their deeds. 

While often depicted as a fearsome, demonic figure, Enma also has a "true form" (honji) as Jizo Bosatsu, the guardian of the underworld, god of travelers, and protector of children. 

King Enma's origins trace back to the Hindu god Yama, who is the deity of death and the afterlife in Vedic and Buddhist traditions. In various East Asian cultures, Yama (or Enma) has been syncretized with local deities and concepts, leading to variations in his depiction and role