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For those new to Tokyo Ghoul, questions about Ghouls are inevitable. So, what exactly is a Ghoul? Join us in exploring the world of Ghouls in the article below!
1. Defining Ghoul
Ghoul (gūru), known as Ngạ Quỷ in Vietnamese, is a demonic species specializing in consuming human flesh for survival. Ghouls share a humanoid physique with limbs and a two-legged movement, but their facial features, intellect, and diet differ significantly from humans. Some variations of Ghouls can coexist with humans by implanting their organs into human bodies for parasitic survival or by creating a hybrid individual through reproduction with humans.
According to Arabian mythology, Ghouls are demonic creatures specialized in feasting on humans. In contrast to Tokyo Ghoul, they possess a more terrifying and ghastly appearance. Operating predominantly at night, they are believed to originate from forgotten corpses in mysterious tombs. One unsettling aspect of Arab folklore about Ghouls is their tendency to 'wear the guise' of women, marrying unsuspecting men and becoming prey for the demons. Due to their nature as flesh-eating demons, Ghouls are considered a threat to humanity and need to be eliminated.
2. Some Features of Ghouls in Tokyo Ghoul
2.1. Body Structure
A Ghoul with a high 'Rc factor' is ten times more potent than a healthy normal human. For instance, while a regular person has around 300-600 Rc, a Ghoul can have approximately 3000-8000 Rc. The Rc factor grants Ghouls special abilities such as sharp, flexible spikes, drilling noses, or tails - commonly referred to as Kagune. Ghouls also possess red eyes known as Kakugan and can willingly switch from normal eyes to Kakugan when hungry or using Kagune.
With a robust physique, Ghouls are virtually immune to damage, except for a few vulnerable points like lips, mucous membranes, nostrils, and ears.
2.2. Dietary Habits
Ghouls can only consume water, human flesh, and their own kind. Tasting other types of food causes discomfort and nausea. In cases where they must use alternative food sources, it leads to a decline in the Ghoul's physical condition, and worse, they cannot activate Kagune (a Ghoul weapon with forms like a drilling nose or flexible spikes).
Simply consuming one human body provides enough energy for a Ghoul to survive for 1 to 2 months. However, some Ghouls, particularly Tsukiyama Shu – a Ghoul addicted to the scent of flesh, indulge in eating the flesh of other Ghouls like Kaneki Ken.
When hungry, Ghouls act on instinct, losing rationality and even being willing to consume the flesh of their own kind to alleviate hunger. Like Kaneki, who almost ate the flesh of his close friend Hideyoshi.
Although Ghouls can endure hunger for up to 2 months, they can also consume more individuals in a short period. They are referred to as 'binge eaters,' for example: Kamishiro Rize.
In addition to Ghouls specializing in hunting living humans for food, some Ghouls only consume flesh from freshly deceased bodies or feed on the flesh of their own kind – other Ghouls. Consuming the flesh of other Ghouls enhances their Rc factor and allows them to transform their Kagune weapons into more sophisticated forms.
2.3. Physical Traits
Ghouls possess extraordinary strength, capable of hurling a person far away or piercing through a victim with their hands, and they can leap several meters high.
Ghouls can regenerate minor wounds within a few hours, and for more severe injuries, they can quickly recover in a few days with proper nourishment. Despite their robust exterior, Ghouls only sustain damage when attacked at weak points or subjected to sufficient force from various weapons.
Ghouls have the ability to detect scents, hear footsteps from a considerable distance, and easily distinguish between their own kind and humans. However, Ghouls also experience aging and gradual deterioration, much like humans.
2.4. Vulnerabilities
When compelled to consume regular food or Rc-suppressing substances, Ghouls weaken, become more susceptible to injuries, and face life-threatening risks.
Furthermore, Ghouls can meet their demise when subjected to critical strikes that cause them to perish before they can regenerate.
2.5. Some Other Characteristics
Ghouls often lead secretive lives to evade societal scrutiny. If they wish to integrate into the community, Ghouls may pretend to eat human food to deceive those around them but must expel it quickly, or it will lead to toxicity.
In addition to the 'authentic' Ghouls, there are Rogue Ghouls – hybrids of humans and Ghouls or individuals with Ghoul organ transplants. There's also the Kakuja – a Ghoul that develops a Kagune armor after consuming the flesh of its own kind.
Ghouls often have to wear masks to avoid detection by the CCG (Commission of Counter Ghoul). These masks usually carry symbolic meanings or signify something significant.
With the insights into Ghouls in this article, readers can grasp the fundamental details about Ghouls and their unique features in the Tokyo Ghoul story. Wishing you all entertaining and enjoyable moments!
