‘Ka asi kasya asi, kalyāṇi?’ The Ambiguity of the yakṣas in the Araṇya Parva of the Mahābhārata

Supernatural entities are often described as ambiguous, but ambiguity is underdetermined and undefined. This article has a twofold goal: first of all, it constructs an ideal-type model for identifying specifying in supernatural beings; secondly, examines the yakṣas Araṇya Parva Mahābhārata. determining utilizes five markers, which appear either positive or negative aspect: fulfilling denying needs desires; protecting attacking humans; belonging to same order humansor rejecting this order; beautiful hideous appearance; living close by far away from human communities. Four narratives examined: story Nala Damayantī, First Second War Yakṣas, Drillling Woods. In all stories, each markers utilized describe yakṣas’ ambiguity. However, one should distinguish between proper (when conflicting present at time) verus caused shifting during narrative.