"Now, my question is, does anyone know of any tales where a weapon (for example) might be 'possessed' by a spirit (perhaps it's former owner)?"

thats exactly the question I was answering to. I was trying to point general directions. but if I am to strickly answer the question...then I'll say: "No. I haven't memorized any such tales."

sorry if you think I'm off topic...if you watch the references I gave, you'll see some pretty good examples of answers to the topic question.

relax. let the thread flow...

Hi Ed,

actually that is useful information. I'll try to find the movie. Thanks.

Basically I am thinking of writing a fiction based on the idea of object possession. Being a puppeteer i am interested in the use of puppets in possession rites and found the book, "Puppets of Nostalgia", which is about Japanese puppets, very interesting and useful.

My next thought was whether the aforementioned weapon possession was known. All info gratefully accepted.

Thanks to harlan for keeping a close eye.

...make sure you watch kurasawa's 'dreams'. Look into 'Hina Matsuri' (girl's day doll celebration) and it's history first.
The use of dolls in the purification rites of Shinto is also mentioned in the 1,000 year old book 'Tale of Genji'.

As a puppeteer, you'll be fascinated.

Thanks again.

Trev:-)