Lion Yokai

**Lion Yokai**, or **Lioness Yokai** for the female counterpart, are a variation of Cat Yokai who are known for their pride.

## Physical Appearance

Lion and Lioness Yokai are the anthropomorphic versions of their Surface World counterparts. They both have sharp teeth, sharp claws and a fuzzy tip at the end of their tails. Lion Yokai have a mane that covers their head (exception of their faces) and their necks. Lioness Yokai are a bit shorter then their male counterparts. Though they lack a mane, they have a more slimmer appearance.

## Description

Lion/Lioness Yokai are one of the strongest species within the Cat Family Category as well as being one of the strongest yokai species in the Hidden World. Being called "Kings and Queens of the Jungle", many yokai would give them the royal treatment. Lion/Lioness Yokai are known for their pride. They take great pride of themselves due to their bravery and self-confidence. They aren't afraid to take on anyone who gets in their way. Even if their opponents were physically stronger than them.

## Abilities

Here are the abilities that Lion/Lioness Yokai can have in their arsenal:

* Apex Predator Physiology
* Feline Physiology
	+ Camouflage
	+ Enhanced Agility
	+ Enhanced Balance
	+ Enhanced Durability
	+ Enhanced Endurance
	+ Enhanced Flexibility
	+ Enhanced Leap
	+ Enhanced Roar
	+ Enhanced Senses
		- Enhanced Hearing
		- Enhanced Smell
		- Night Vision
	+ Enhanced Stealth
	+ Enhanced Speed
	+ Enhanced Strength
	+ Natural Weaponry
		- Claw Retraction
		- Fang Retraction
	+ Powerful Bite
	+ Predator Instinct
* Lightning Bruiser: Enhanced Level

### Mythical Lions

* Leocampus Physiology
* Myrmecoleon Physiology
* Nemean Lion Physiology
* Sphinx Physiology

### Associations

* Mammalian Physiology
	+ Feline Physiology

Lions are associated with great number of mystical and supernatural abilities and connections in mythology and folklore, thus user with this power may have access to: Enhanced Charisma, Fear Masking/Fearlessness, Infinite Digestive System, Super Eating

## Pop Culture

Cultural depictions of lions are known in European, African and Asian countries. The lion has been an important symbol to humans for tens of thousands of years. The earliest graphic representations feature lions as organized hunters with great strength, strategies, and skills. In later depictions of human cultural ceremonies, lions were often used symbolically and may have played significant roles in magic, as deities or close association with deities, and served as intermediaries and clan identities.

The earliest historical records in Egypt present an established religious pantheon that included a lioness as one of the most powerful cultural figures, protecting the people and especially, their rulers, as well as being assigned powerful roles in nature. As human groups moved from being isolated clans and tribes to cities, kingdoms, and countries, ancient symbols retained their importance as they assumed new roles and lions have remained as popular symbols through to modern times.

Depictions of lions in other cultures resembled this and all changed into more supportive roles as human figures began to be portrayed as deities. Similar imagery persisted and was retained through cultural changes, sometimes unchanged. Adoptions of lion imagery as symbols into other cultures without direct contact with lions could be very imaginative, often lacking accurate anatomical details or creating unrealistic characteristics. The association of lions with virtues and character traits was adopted in cultures where and when the religious symbolism had ceased.

## Variations

### Cat Yokai

Lions are part of the big cat family. Along with cheetahs and leopards, they're one of the top big cats in the African Savannah.

### Leocampus Yokai

Leocampus Yokai has the head and upper body of a lion and the lower body of a sea.

### Myrmecoleon Yokai

Myrmecoleon Yokai are a hybrid between a lion and an ant.

### Nemean Lion Yokai

Nemean Lion Yokai is a vicious mythological leonine monster in Greek mythology that lived at Nemea, whose hide was impervious to weapons, and had claws sharper than mortals' swords, capable of cutting through any armor.

### Sphinx Yokai

In Egypt, Sphinxes has the head of a human and the body of a lion.

## Life in the Hidden World

Lion/Lioness Yokai primarily live in the savannah areas of the Hidden World. Being strictly carnivores, they would often hunt together in packs to catch their prey. These yokai are natural leaders because of their extremely self-confidence and their loud voices. Thus they work at jobs which let them utilize their natural leadership skills such as police chiefs, headmasters, and coaches to name a few. Some lions and lionesses live in different communities which are called prides. Each pride community has their own leaders and their own symbols. Sometimes they would fight each other through various combative contests to see which pride community is the strongest.

## Symbolism

Throughout the ancient world, the vibrant yellow mane of the Lion made it a natural solar symbol. Like the Sun, the King of the Beasts comes roaring into your spiritual journey with raw power, courage, and aggressiveness. But, by way of dichotomy, Cats are nocturnal. So, Lion Energy cloaks your spirit in the lunar power of night. When the world sleeps, the Big Cats are everywhere yet unseen, communicating yet unheard, and prowling yet immobile.

Depictions of Lions are millennia-old throughout the world. Some revered the Lioness as the provider for the pride, and the meaning of providence and hunting skill remains intact. In Egypt, for example, the Sphinx has Lion’s body, which was a sacred symbol of the Goddess who safeguarded the pharaohs in the afterlife. The Sun God Mithras was a Solar deity associated with Lion and often portrayed with a Lion’s head.

Historians suggest the playful Goddess of Dance and Protection appeared in early illustrations as having a Lioness’ head instead of a domesticated Cat. Other deities in the Egyptian pantheon had Lion likenesses, including the fierce friend to women and children, Sekhmet, and Bast’s son, Maahes, a War God.

Middle Eastern stories and art show the Lion as representing great kings. The Gods and Goddesses in the region often had Lion companions. Examples include Ishtar with a Lion-drawn chariot, and Inanna, who stands on the backs of two female Lions. The images allude to the Lion as an emblem of great strength and authority. The connection intensifies further with the entrance to great cities and temples featuring Lion gates and sculptures flanking statues as protectors.

Chinese Buddhist portray the Lion as a creature of great majesty. It’s believed Lions safeguard humans from ghosts and demons. As a result, the architecture throughout China includes Lions at entryways, standing vigilant guard. People in Tibet have similar beliefs, associating protection with the Snow Lion. The critical difference is fearless Snow Lions represent the Earth Element instead of Fire associations.

It would seem the Lion Spirit has a soft, Pussycat side too. In the story of *Androcles and the Lion*, the Great Cat remembers kindnesses rendered to it. After helping the Lion rid itself of a thorn and infection, the creature returns the favor by refusing to devour the young slave at the Circus Maximus. Then, the Lion shows its affection for Androcles in front of the Emperor; because of this ancient story, Lion symbolism includes devotion and kindness toward those who show mercy and compassion.