| Hakutaku | |
|---|---|
 | |
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Other Names |
Hakutaku |
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First Appearance |
Japanese Myth |
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Created by |
Japanese Myth |
Origin[]
Hakutaku is a yokai that has the body of a cow and a human head with a beard. It also has three faces, each with three eyes and a pair of horns.
Hakutaku is depicted as a deity protecting people from evil spirits, so hanging Hakutaku’s diagram inside the house can ward off misfortune. There are extensive records in 18th and 19th century Japan of magical uses of Hakutaku, including protective talismans and for healing purposes. During the cholera epidemic in Edo in 1858, people were instructed to place Hakutaku’s image on their pillows before going to bed to protect themselves.
Public Domain Literary Appearances[]
All published appearances of the Hakutaku from before January 1, 1930 are public domain in the US.
Some notable appearances are listed below:
- Tiandi ruixiang zhi "Treatise on the Auspicious Signs of Heaven and Earth"
- Konjaku Hyakki Shūi "Supplement to The Hundred Demons from the Present and the Past"
Notes[]
- The hakutaku is based on the bai ze from Chinese legends.
- The Pokemon Absol which was introduced in Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire is most likely based on both the Bai Ze or Hakutaku.