What’s more mysterious than a shaman—the man or woman who stands as a bridge between two worlds?
Growing up, I attended soul-calling ceremonies all the time, never once questioning the person behind the mask. It was all so normal to me that curiosity never even crossed my mind. Looking back now, I realize just how extraordinary those moments were.
There are so many fascinating and deeply magical aspects of Hmong culture, and it’s heartbreaking to see how much of it is slowly fading from current and future generations.
I’ve always loved reading and writing—especially fantasy, romance, and even horror—the kinds of stories that stir the deepest emotions. There’s something powerful about stepping into another world and exploring what’s possible beyond our own.
The Shaman and I wasn’t written as a guide to Hmong shaman practices. Instead, it’s an homage—a reimagining with a fantasy twist, placing these traditions alongside the kind of magic you might find in the most captivating anime stories.
And maybe, just maybe, it will spark something in younger generations—a curiosity, a sense of pride, or even a desire to reconnect with traditions that are too important to lose.