Coronavirus outbreak has led people to stay back at home, maintaining social distance. At the time of the pandemic, where COVID-19 cases are unfortunately increasing, individuals, on the other hand, are adjusting to cope with the present situation in a hope to contain the spread. Work from home, self-quarantine and social distancing are significantly trending on social media. Amid all this, comes Japanese artists who have flood their Twitter timeline with the drawings of ‘Amabie’ a mermaid-like spirit that comes from the sea and tells prophecies. The reason they are drawing the mythical creature is to ward off coronavirus from the face of Earth! Yes, you read that right. Many Japanese Twitter users are showing their illustrations of the mythical creature in a hope to end the pandemic soon. ‘Work From Home’ Continues to Trend As Netizens Share Glimpses of How Self-Quarantine Looks Like Amid Coronavirus Pandemic. 

The three-legged mermaid with long hair and beak, the Amabie falls within the tradition of the yokai, which is a supernatural monster or spirit in Japanese culture and is said to have appeared from the waters near Kumamoto. As per the mythical tale dating back to 1800s, the creature would emerge from the sea to tell prophecies about the upcoming harvests and potential destruction from the disease. During the time of the epidemic, legends believe that people are supposed to draw Amabie and share it with everyone who is ill. Dating During Coronavirus, How to Host a Virtual Happy Hour, Virtual Dinner Party & Others Are Top Google Searches During Pandemic. 

Hence in response to coronavirus, online artists and illustrations are doing just that. Everyone is posting their versions of the mythical creature on Twitter, in a hope to ward off the epidemic.

Amabie!

Stay Safe!

Beautifully Illustrated!

So Many Illustrations!

In Solidarity!

Nice Artwork!

It is heartening to see such a creative display on social media. Drawing from their own folklore, Japanese artists created images of solidarity, which is extremely important in such dire time. About 246,577 cases of coronavirus are reported globally with 10,050 deaths. It is important for all of us to stay united and motivated.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 20, 2020 03:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).