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Baku - Dream Eater
A creature that devours nightmares. Call upon the Baku after a bad dream, and it will eat the nightmare. But be careful—it might eat all your dreams, leaving you empty.
Ancient - Present
Japan and China
1000+ witnesses
The Baku is a supernatural creature from Japanese and Chinese folklore that devours dreams and nightmares.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
The Baku:
- Eats dreams and nightmares
- Can be summoned after bad dreams
- Has a chimeric appearance
- Is generally benevolent
- Must be invoked carefully
Description
The Baku appears as:
- A combination of animals
- Elephant’s trunk
- Tiger’s feet
- Ox’s tail
- Rhinoceros eyes
- Often depicted as tapir-like
Invoking the Baku
After a nightmare:
- Say “Baku, come eat my dream”
- Three times
- The Baku will consume the nightmare
- Be careful not to overuse this
- It might eat all dreams, good and bad
Origin
The Baku comes from:
- Chinese mythology originally
- Adopted into Japanese folklore
- Associated with protection
- Often depicted in temple art
Cultural Significance
The Baku represents:
- Protection from evil dreams
- The power over nightmares
- Spiritual guardianship
- Still referenced today