Baku

In Japanese folklore, baku are chimera known as dream-eaters. It is believed that if a child wakes from a nightmare it is possible to call on the baku to eat the nightmare. It also acts as a protective guardian and wards off evil spirits, allowing good luck to find you. But beware, if the baku is too hungry it can eat your dreams and aspirations too.

Mizuki Shigeru

 

It is believed that baku were created by all the spare pieces left over when the gods finished creating the other animals. Most commonly bakus are depicted with an elephant’s trunk, rhinoceros' eyes, an ox's tail, and a tiger's paw.

 

'Baku' - Katsushika Hokusai.

'Baku under Pine Tree' by Isoda Koryusai