Japanese Mythology - Creatures

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:

    “O what venerable and reverend creatures did the aged seem! Immortal Cherubims! And young men glittering and sparkling Angels, and maids strange seraphic pieces of life and beauty! Boys and girls tumbling in the street, and playing, were moving jewels. I knew not that they were born or should die; but all things abided eternally as they were in their proper places.”
    —Thomas Traherne (1636–1674)

    “O curse of marriage,
    That we can call these delicate creatures ours
    And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad,
    And live upon the vapour of a dungeon
    Than keep a corner in the thing I love
    For others’ uses.”
    —William Shakespeare (1564–1616)

    “the green hells of the sea
    Where fallen skies and evil hues and eyeless creatures be;
    On them the sea-valves cluster and the grey sea-forests curl,
    Splashed with a splended sickness, the sickness of the pearl;”
    —Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874–1936)