Creatures
See List of legendary creatures from Japan for a broad spectrum of creatures potentially classifiable as being "mythological creatures". Yōkai or animals that interact with humans in Japanese folklore are discussed in those pages.It is probably more typical to find lists of items and weapons that appear in the Japanese mythology. However, here is a tentative list of creatures:
- (Creatures in mythological tracts)
- Yamata no Orochi, the eight-headed serpent, discussed above.
- The rabbit aided by Ōkuninushi, and the wani (crocodile, modern scholars assume it to be a type of shark) that flayed it.
- Yatagarasu, a three-legged crow which guided the way to Emperor Jimmu. (In China, such a bird is said to dwell in the sun, and may be related to sunspots; cf. Moon rabbit)
- Kinshi(ja), blindingly bright golden kite that aided Jimmu; it may be a double of the crow.
- Watatsumi, sea god, often called Ryūjin or Dragon God.
- Yato-no-kami
- (Creatures in legendary tracts)
- Mizuchi
- (Creatures associated with Shinto deities)
- Ōnamazu(ja) or Giant Catfish; said to dwell underground causing earthquakes, said to be quelled by the god Takemikazuchi
Read more about this topic: Japanese Mythology
Famous quotes containing the word creatures:
“The philosopher is like a man fasting in the midst of universal intoxication. He alone perceives the illusion of which all creatures are the willing playthings; he is less duped than his neighbor by his own nature. He judges more sanely, he sees things as they are. It is in this that his liberty consists—in the ability to see clearly and soberly, in the power of mental record.”
—Henri-Frédéric Amiel (1821–1881)
“‘Whoever it is that leaves him out so late,
When other creatures have gone to stall and bine,
Ought to be told to come and take him in.’”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)
“The most violent appetites in all creatures are lust and hunger; the first is a perpetual call upon them to propagate their kind, the latter to preserve themselves.”
—Joseph Addison (1672–1719)