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Ohmu[1] are giant insects that exist in the Sea of Corruption.

Description[]

Ohmu are enormous invertebrates. Though they are ordinarily docile herbivores that feast upon the flora of the Fukai, killing any insect while in the Sea of Corruption will drive any nearby Ohmu into a berserk rage[2]. Due to their great size, they can destroy entire settlements in this state, and the spores from forest plants which they scatter as they move can kill crops and render an area unsuitable for human life if left unchecked.

However, the molted exoskeletons of the creatures [3] are stronger than ceramics, capable of resisting most human weaponry, and thus highly sought-after as material for weapons, tools, and structures. The Ohmu possess a hive mind [4] with which certain sensitive persons may communicate.

The Ohmu are a unique creature. Their compassion is overwhelming, yet at first appearance they seem to be aggressive. However, they love and care for all living creatures, and the Ohmu cry with sadness when they kill[5]. The Ohmu are peaceful by nature, but become blinded with rage when a creature of the forest is threatened. Even though they don't want to harm anything, their rampage causes mass destruction.

An Ohmu will molt its exoskeleton before a period of growth, and when injured, they bleed blue blood. They have 14 eyes [6], which are usually blue but turn red when the Ohmu have been angered. They carry spores from the Sea of Corruption that land on the ground and grow into miasma-producing plants. They can secrete a clear, jelly-like, oxygen-enriched substance called Serum from glands located in their mouths which can allow whomever ingests it to breath within the Sea of Corruption without need for a mask[7]. Ohmu blood also acts as a repellent toward other insects.

The Ohmu were one of many creatures that the previous humans had created in order to purify their polluted world, in addition to the plants and other insects that live in the Sea of Corruption.

Nausicaa by ohmu

Nausicaä and the Ohmu

History[]

Nausicaä encounters an Ohmu at the very outset of the story. She proves to be very good at communicating with them and can even hear their calls[8]. Eventually, she meets a herd of Ohmu at the Acid Lakes, where she rescues a baby Ohmu[9]. There, she is held into the air by the feelers of the Ohmu[10]. After this, the Ohmu head south into Dorok lands. There, the Dorok have bioengineered a fungus to wipe out the Torumekian Army. The Ohmu sacrifice themselves to spread the forest.

Etymology[]

The word "Ohmu" suggests "Oh Mu(shi)" or "King Insect".

王「おお」Oh → King  蟲「むし」Mu(shi) → Insect

Nomenclature[]

Language Name Meaning
Japanese 王蟲 King Insect
Furigana 「おおむし」
Romaji Ohmu
English Ohm (Loan word)
Danish Omu (Loan word)
Norwegian Åmu (Loan word)
Swedish Ohmu (Loan word)
Italian Mostro Tarlo Woodworm Monster

References[]

  1. DE 1a pg 8 (first mention), DE pg 13 (first appearance)
  2. DE Page 13, book 1 of the manga. An angry Ohmu attacks Yupa because he shot a Royal Yama [he thought that a squirrel fox was a human baby].
  3. DE 1 pg 9 (first appearance)
  4. DE 1 pg 125
  5. DE Page 42, book 1 of the manga. An Ohmu cries because a lot of people died in a crash. The Ohmu even says, "All dead. They all died..." then the Ohmu turns and leaves.
  6. DE 1 pg 11
  7. DE Page 151, book 2 of the manga. Nausicaa gets swallowed by an Ohmu. DE Page 182, book 2 of the manga. The worm handlers say that people who have the Serum can breathe without a mask.
  8. DE Page 12, book 1 of the manga. Nausicaa hears an Ohmu voice inside her head. Page 18, book 1 of the manga. Nausicaa wonders if the cry she heard came from the Ohmu.
  9. DE Pages 172-208 (approx), book 1 of the manga.
  10. DE Pages 205, 206, 207; book 1 of the manga.

a See Page Conversions Between Editions to convert Deluxe Edition volume 1 (DE1) to other editions

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Creatures
Domesticated AnimalsDorok Cavalry MountsFox-squirrelsGod WarriorsHebikeraHeedraHisokusari FungusHorseclawKai and KuiKestLandgrubOhmaOhmuPipewormRoyal YanmaSlugwormTetoTobimushiWingworm
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