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Kaiju, Others, Yokai

Sagari, the Horse Head Hanger

A single-eyed horse head hangs from a tree

Walking on lonely roads at night is unnerving. Especially in less urban areas, where there are more trees than streetlights. Even more so, in Okayama Prefecture, where a yokai dangles from the trees. It is named sagari, the horse head hanger.

In the past, my grandma always advised me before I leave for school. Among all her advice, there is one caution I always adhere to. “At night, always look forward. Never look up.” Undoubtedly, sagari is one of the reasons for this warning.Unlike dorotabo that strikes from the fields, sagari assaults from the trees. This bizarre one-eyed yokai appears as a horse head from the neck onward. Similar to a bat, it hangs up side down from the trees. But instead, sagari clings to the lower branches with its intestines. If you look closely enough, you can even see the entrails writhing around the tree.

Strange Behaviour

Fortunately, you can easily avoid sagari, the horse head hanger. But only if you are paying attention to your surroundings. Firstly, the horse yokai prefers an enoki tree (エノキの木). The older the tree, the more likely a sagari dwells there. So, take notice of the trees planted along the routes you commonly use.

Secondly, sagari bawls an unearthly cry when it senses humans nearby. The dangling yokai lets out an eerie whinny to warn and threaten all creatures nearby. But, more importantly, if the cries stop, it means that the sagari is very, very close. It is within striking distance. Just gather your courage and move forward. As long as you do not make eye contact, it will not attack and your life is spared.

Nonetheless, it is still unsafe for you to look at sagari from afar. Those who have made eye contact has suffered high fever and cold chills, at the same time. Best to just ignore it and let sagari be.

Yokai Details

name: sagari ( sah-gah-ree )
kanji: さがり
meaning: hanging down
abilities:
1. pyrexia — give an individual severe fever
2. body manipulation — elongates its appendages and “limbs”

Kaiju, Mamono, Yokai

Ushi-oni Terrorizes the Country Folk

In Western Japan, there are many tales and fables about bovine-headed yokai. It is a ferocious creature that has typical features of an oni such as large horns, long fangs and slithering tongues. Infamously known as ushi-oni, the daemonic creature rampages through villages during the pre-Edo period. It terrorizes the country folk, attacks feudal lords and destroy their livelihood. None are safe from their savage tantrums.

Across the lands of Western Japan, mythical stories of ushi-oni are quite common but their shape and form varies. Conventionally, they are described as a monstrous oni with a bull for a head. But various regional narratives will describe the brutish body differently. Some describe ushi-oni as having a giant crab body. Others indicate that the beast terrorizes the villagers by flying around with insect wings. Nonetheless, the most common imagery of the ushi-oni is that of a black, gargantuan six-legged monster with the head of a fearsome bull.

In fact, the latter description of ushi-oni are those that roam the mountainous forests of Japan. These infernal mamono live deep in the mountain caves that have been long forgotten. Legend says that these creatures are eternal guardians to a powerful magical artifact. A power that is too great for any single man. Any adventurers foolish enough to try and acquire the sacred object, have to contend with the soul-stealing gaze of the daemonic beast.

Conclusion

Fortunately, ushi-oni are very few in number and their caves are well hidden. They do not require much to eat and usually stay within the range of their guard. You are more likely to randomly encounter a wild tanuki than deliberately try to find an ushi-oni. Nonetheless, while hiking through the forest, do remember to stick to the beaten path. And wear a bell to show that you are not sneaking around.

Yokai Details

name: ushi-oni (oo-she-oh-nee)
kanji: 牛鬼 (うしおに)
meaning: cow demon
aka: gyuki (ぎゅうき)
abilities:
1. enhanced jump — able to jump extreme distances
2. energy drain — the ability to sap your stamina away
3. soul steal — consumes a person’s soul with eye contact

Kaiju, Mamono, Yokai

Dreadful Wrath of Otoroshi

Dreadful Otoroshi (おとろし) sits on torii gate

When visiting the temple complexes of Japan, you are always reminded to be respectful of others and to others. Its not just about having the proper etiquette but also being in the right frame of mind. But none will tell you the consequences about being impudent. Any insolent behaviour and you will face the dreadful wrath of otoroshi.

Unlike the obvious Niō guardians (仁王) that massively stand by the entrances of Buddhist temples, otoroshi are the invisible gatekeepers of all sacred lands. They are masters of camouflage, hiding in plain sight. Furthermore, these hideous yokai dwell in elevated habitats, always ready to hook up the wicked who nears these hallowed grounds. For example, Otoroshi have been seen perched on temple roofs and ancient holy trees. But they are most commonly found on top of torii gates.

Many Edo-period paintings portray otoroshi as a blue, wide-mouthed creature covered in mangy hair. Its large fangs and unblinking eyes are reminiscent of Rangda, the demon Queen of Balinese mythology. otoroshi typical use their prehensile hair to catch their diet of wild animals, such as birds and lizards. But these scary creatures prefer to pounce on the wicked and devour on the victim’s foul heart.

Conclusion

Interestingly, some researchers propose that otoroshi and waira are counterparts to each other, both protecting the holy grounds. The former attacks from above, while the latter strikes from below. Strangely enough, these two yokai have never been reported seen together, at the same sacred sites. Nonetheless, always be reverent and respectful when visiting the temple grounds, especially in Japan.

Yokai Details

name: otoroshi (oh-toh-roh-she)
hiragana: おとろし
meaning: corruption of osoroshii (恐ろしい) which means dreadful or scary
aka:
- otoron ( おとろん )
- odoro odoro ( おどろおどろ )
- keippai ( 毛一杯 )
abilities:
1. enhanced jump — able to jump extreme distances
2. hair manipulation — the ability to control and use her hair as extra limbs