This week’s reader question comes from Charlie S. in Scarsdale, NY: 

What’s up with the eleven-eyed baboon?

So much commentary about the eleven-eyed baboon this week 🙂 Warms my heart. For the newcomers, I posted the first-look at the back cover of Ardent Wings on Jealous Skies last week along with an off-hand comment about how much I loved the artist’s depiction of the eleven-eyed baboon. I suppose that image does kinda dangle out there without any additional context.

Here’s what’s up with the eleven-eyed baboon. The world of Ciel is populated by animistic spirits called “Jokai.” Mythologically savvy readers will note the cognate of the Japanese “yōkai” (妖怪), a primary source of inspiration here. For those interested in worldbuilding, the Navajo Diné traditions and shamanic practices also inform the Jokai and various modes of worship on Ciel. 

The eleven-eyed baboon is the embodiment of an important Jokai on the island of Volturnus who plays a key role in setting up the climax of Ardent Wings on Jealous Skies. More, I cannot say without treading into spoiler territory.

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