As ever, the caretaker of this prison offers no words for me-his mouth is shut tight.
It's an attitude that stands in stark contrast to how I was treated when I first arrived in Minakami.
Regardless, by all accounts, this facility appears to double as a library, filled to the brim with precious ancient texts, the likes of which I've never seen.
This should allow me to continue my research.
Whether my work ever sees the light of day is another matter.
The Abyss
It's impossible for me to say when, precisely, the Abyss first appeared. However, it has existed in this land since ancient times, a hole in the earth connecting our ephemeral realm to Hell. Should the cover obscuring it ever be lifted, they say, a terrible disaster will occur.
It is thought that the myths and legends surrounding the Gate to Hell in these parts stem from this location. So feared is it, in fact, that in many ancient texts and manuscripts the name is forbidden, referenced only as 
. The pain and suffering of those sacrificed are believed to power the seal that contains the Abyss, holding back its wrath.
Mourners
Mourners are people who stand guard over the Abyss, as well as make the necessary preparations for the ritual to take place.
Only they appear able to approach the Abyss proper.
When the year of the ceremony arrives, the members of the families who serve as mourners stitch their eyes shut so that they do not gaze upon that which they protect.
People who break the village taboo and glimpse the Abyss are themselves made into mourners.
Then, they must live out the rest of their days below ground.
It makes me wonder just how terrible the place could really be, to forbid even the mere sight of it with such a heavy hand.
Folklorist's Note 18
 This page contains spoilers for a recent release. |
For the version of this note that appears in Fatal Frame II, see Folklorist's Note 9 (FF2).- For the version of this note that appears in Deep Crimson Butterfly, see Folk Scholar's Writings IX.
Folklorist's Note 18 | |
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| Kanji | 民俗学者の手記 十八 みんぞくがくしゃのしゅき じゅうはち |
| Game | Crimson Butterfly Remake |
| Author | Seijiro Makabe |
| Chapter | Chapter 4: The Hidden Ceremony |
| Located at | |
| Obtained | |
| Description | Written remarks from a folklore scholar who came to study Minakami Village, explaining the latest findings of his research while imprisoned. |
| Related Notes | Folklorist's Note 1, Folklorist's Note 2, Folklorist's Note 3, Folklorist's Note 4, Folklorist's Note 5, Folklorist's Note 6, Folklorist's Note 7, Folklorist's Note 8, Folklorist's Note 8, Folklorist's Note 10, Folklorist's Note 11, Folklorist's Note 12, Folklorist's Note 13, Folklorist's Note 14, Folklorist's Note 15, Folklorist's Note 16, Folklorist's Note 17, Folklorist's Note 19, Folklorist's Note 20 |
TBA