THE BEARDED GHOST

Relation: Omniscient observer and narrator
Costume Color: Gray/Teal
Story: Chinese folklore is riddled with ghost stories. Since Asian cultures revere the dead differently than Westerners, not all ghosts are bad. In fact, some Chinese ghosts appear to save the day, or to guide the heroes through their adventures. George Lucas even used this principle when developing the ghost of Obi-Wan Kenobi. The Bearded Ghost, modeled after Bodhidarma (the alleged originator of Kung Fu) is a wandering ghost in the land of the Jalí. On occasion, he will even appear to the Jadecats. With his sagacious voice-overs, he introduces and concludes each episode. He represents the parental voice of the show, delivering inspirational messages often in the form of a Zen-like riddle.