BAKU 獏

Pronunciation: BAH-koo

Translation: The Dream Eater

Similar to: Hakutaku (白沢)

Overview

The baku, or dream eater, is probably one of the more beloved beasts in the yōkai pantheon. This little critter resembles the nue (see Nue entry later in this book) in that it is composed of parts borrowed from various animals. Popular depictions describe it as having a longish nose like an elephant, four striped feet like a tiger, the body of a bear, and the eyes and ears of a rhino. It sports two small tusks and flicks the tail of an ox.

In other writings and works of art, you’ll find the baku put together piecemeal, with animal parts used in different combinations. So, keep in mind, contrasting interpretations of this fanciful beast abound, depending on the artwork or story passed down. Regardless, having a varying fantastical form is totally on brand for a nighttime creature that works with dreams.

One explanation as to why it is such a patchwork beast is that when the gods were done creating all the animals, they looked around, gathered up the scraps of what was left, and cobbled together the baku.

Background and Popular Stories

Like many of Japan’s mythical creatures, the baku originally came from China, arriving sometime between the sixth century (along with Buddhism) and the fifteenth century (accounts vary). The Chinese version of the baku had an entirely different duty; its job was to offer protection to a person from pestilence and evil. Once in Japan, this chimera shifted into more of a nightmare eater. In fact, it needs nightmares to survive.

It’s said that back in the day, children who woke from nightmares would know to repeat three times, “Baku-san, come eat my dream.” There are several different versions of this chant, one being, “Kono yume, baku ni agemasu,” which literally means, “I give this dream to the baku.”

However you phrased it, after repeating the prayer three times, the baku would enter your room, slink its way over, and gobble up your distressing dream. You would then never have that particular nightmare again. The bizarre-looking baku spent long nights hopping from rooftop to rooftop, listening for someone to call out so it could hurry over and feast.

Back in the Muromachi era (1336–1573), a person who was on their deathbed would be given an image of the baku to hold as protection against evil spirits. More recently, in the Edo era (1603–1867), baku “pillows” were employed to fend off nightmares. These pillows were not the kind we have today—in that time, they consisted of a small cloth tube filled with rice, soba, or buckwheat husks that was tied to a wood or ceramic block. It was the bottom, hard part of the pillow that could be shaped like a baku or have one painted on or carved into it. Later, after modern pillows arrived, talismans or drawings were slipped under them, or even embroidered on pillowcases, all to ensure pleasant dreams.

If you ever find yourself visiting a temple or shrine in Japan, look up at the corners of those fancy curved roofs. There you can sometimes find gorgeously ornate and colorful carvings of this lucky divine creature. It’s easily identifiable by its long nose and tusks.