Hakutaku (白澤)
The hakutaku is a wise mythical creature resides in secluded mountains and manifests only in eras and countries governed by virtuous and wise leaders.
Hakutaku (白澤) is the bull-like yokai that has six horns, two on the head and two on each flank. It also has nine eyes, three on the head and three on each side below its horns.
The hakutaku is a wise mythical creature resembling a white ox, renowned for its extraordinary characteristics. With a total of nine eyes — three on its head and three on each side — as well as six horns, the hakutaku resides in secluded mountains and manifests only in eras and countries governed by virtuous and wise leaders.
It is considered an incredibly auspicious omen, symbolizing good fortune. Possessing the ability to communicate in human languages, the hakutaku possesses extensive knowledge about various aspects of creation.
During the Edo period in Japan, the hakutaku gained popularity due to its profound understanding of yokai (supernatural creatures) and monsters. Paintings depicting the hakutaku became highly sought after and were utilized as talismans and protective charms against evil spirits, diseases, and other yokai.
It was believed that the hakutaku’s vast knowledge made it a deterrent for malevolent yokai.
Originating from Chinese legends, the hakutaku is known as the bai ze in China. One notable account involving a hakutaku dates back to the legendary Yellow Emperor of China (2697–2597 BCE).
During his imperial tour, the emperor encountered a hakutaku atop a mountain in the eastern region near the sea. The two engaged in conversation, during which the hakutaku revealed the existence of 11,520 different types of yokai throughout creation.
The emperor had his subordinates meticulously document the hakutaku’s words, resulting in a volume called the Hakutaku-zu. This volume recorded various kinds of yokai, their malevolent actions or the disasters they brought, as well as methods to handle them.
Unfortunately, the Hakutaku-zu has been lost for a significant period, and no surviving copies exist.
A legend from Toyama prefecture recounts a Japanese sighting of a hakutaku, referred to as a kutabe in this narrative. It appeared on Mount Tateyama, a revered and towering mountain in Japan.
The kutabe warned the local villagers of an imminent deadly plague and provided instructions on creating magical talismans for protection. The villagers followed the guidance and were spared from the plague’s devastation. Since then, the hakutaku has been revered as a symbol of healing and medicine.
©Emika Oka
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Source
白沢 (瑞獣) - Wikipedia
為政者にも庶民にも愛された瑞獣「白澤（はくたく）」／幻獣事典｜webムー 世界の謎と不思議のニュース＆考察コラム (web-mu.jp)
白沢 (はくたく)とは【ピクシブ百科事典】 (pixiv.net)