The name of the creature is Baku, or Shirokinakatsukami; and its particular function is the eating of Dreams. It is variously represented and described. An ancient book in my possession states that the male Baku has the body of a horse, the face of a lion, the trunk and tusks of an elephant, the forelock of a rhinoceros, the tail of a cow, and the feet of a tiger. The female Baku is said to differ greatly in shape from the male; but the difference is not clearly set forth. In the time of the old Chinese learning, pictures of the Baku used to be hung up in Japanese houses, such pictures being supposed to exert the same beneficent power as the creature itself. My ancient book contains this legend about the custom:—
"In the Shōsei-Roku it is declared that Kōtei, while hunting on the Eastern coast, once met with a Baku having the body of an animal, but speaking like a man. Kōtei said: 'Since the world is quiet and at peace, why should we still see goblins? If a Baku be needed to extinguish evil sprites, then it were better to have a picture of the Baku suspended to the wall of one's house. Thereafter, even though some evil Wonder should appear, it could do no harm.'"
Then there is given a long list of evil Wonders, and the signs of their presence:—
"When the Hen lays a soft egg, the demon's name is Taifu.
"When snakes appear entwined together, the demon's name is Jinzu.
"When dogs go with their ears turned back, the demon's name is Taiyō.
"When the Fox speaks with the voice of a man, the demon's name is Gwaishū.
"When blood appears on the clothes of men, the demon's name is Yūki.
"When the rice-pot speaks with a human voice, the demon's name is Kanjo.