Blinded Shrine Maidens
|
The Blinded Maidens were a group of teenage girls who participated in the Demon Tag and Blinding Rituals that occurred at Himuro Mansion. They played a part in the selection of the Rope Shrine Maiden and next Blind Demon, and also a role in preparation for the Strangling Ritual. The only example of a Blind Maiden found within the game is the Blinded Maiden, who was the Blind Demon at the time of the Calamity, though there were many more before her.
Selection
All young girls of the Himuro family past the age of 7 years, 9 months and 25 days were summoned to the mansion once every decade to take part in the Demon Tag Ritual. The last caught would be put into seclusion and prepared to be a Rope Shrine Maiden. The first girl caught became the Blinded Maiden. It is unknown whether she was taken into seclusion like the Rope Shrine Maiden during the 10 year period until the Blinding Ritual, or if she was able to live normally.
Blinding and Demon Tag Rituals
10 years later, prior to the next Demon Tag Ritual, the girl (now usually around the age of 17) was taken to the Blinding Room, escorted by the Himuro Family Master and family priests. There, the Blinding Mask was placed on her eyes, blinding her. The mask would be used to "blind" the evil spirits of the Hell Gate, in preparation for the Strangling Ritual.
On November 26, the Blinded Maiden took part in the Demon Tag Ritual once more, but this time in the role of the demon, catching the children. Their fate after this ritual is unknown.