Ghost Cistern
CharacterGhost Cistern is a genius loci from the Sailor Moon manga, a spirit dating to the Edo period who haunts a well near T.A. Girls' Academy. She surfaces in a lighthearted exam-battle side story, sneering at the modern world until Sailor Venus banishes her.
Appearance
Cistern presents as a pale woman whose long sleeves swallow her hands, paired with a brief floral skirt. Her black hair is swept into a classical Japanese updo topped with a heart and a wing-shaped ornament, and her mouth is notably oversized.
Personality
She carries the snobbery of an older age, dismissing everything about the present day as crude and low. Her contempt extends to Sailor Venus, whom she insults by calling a monkey. Her name blends the English word for an elder sister with cistern, a term for a well.
History
Minako pries open the old well while chasing a stray volleyball, unwittingly setting the trapped spirit loose. Cistern immediately seizes control of Rei, who had come searching for her friend, and forces a kiss on a classmate while scoffing at how unrefined everyone is. She torments more of the student body until Minako transforms and drives her back with Crescent Boomerang. After a formal introduction, the ghost latches onto Rei a second time, only for Sailor Venus to seal her away using an ofuda and the Akuryo Taisan chant. Her chief trick is possession, and though she keeps trying to devour students through her kisses, she never manages to pull it off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does akuryo taisan mean?
Akuryo taisan is the exorcism chant Sailor Venus uses along with an ofuda to seal away the Ghost Cistern, an Edo-period well spirit from the Sailor Moon manga.
Who is the Ghost Cistern in the Sailor Moon manga?
Ghost Cistern is a genius loci from the Sailor Moon manga, a spirit dating to the Edo period who haunts a well near T.A. Girls' Academy. She first appears in Chapter 3, a lighthearted side story.
How does the Ghost Cistern attack her victims?
The Ghost Cistern possesses Rei and forces her to kiss a classmate, since her chief trick is possession and she tries to devour students through her kisses.
Who releases the Ghost Cistern from her well?
Minako Aino unwittingly frees the Ghost Cistern by prying open the old well while chasing a stray volleyball.
What does the name Ghost Cistern mean?
Ghost Cistern's name blends the English word for an elder sister with cistern, a term for a well, reflecting her origin as a spirit trapped in a well.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Ghost Cistern? The Sailor Moon Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Anime based on the Sailor Moon anime series, manga, and official materials. Sailor Moon was created by Naoko Takeuchi, published by Kodansha, and animated by Toei Animation. All rights to Sailor Moon and its characters belong to their respective owners. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byNaoko Takeuchi
- Published byKodansha
- Animated byToei Animation
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