Tsuchinoko: Difference between revisions
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MichaelMaggs (talk | contribs) Adding local short description: "Snake-like creature in Japanese folklore", overriding Wikidata description "mythological serpent" (Shortdesc helper) |
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{{Short description|Snake-like creature in Japanese folklore}} |
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{{Expand Japanese|ツチノコ|date=November 2020}} |
{{Expand Japanese|ツチノコ|date=November 2020}} |
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{{Infobox mythical creature |
{{Infobox mythical creature |
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Revision as of 12:14, 28 June 2021
 | You can help expand this article with text translated from the corresponding article in Japanese. (November 2020) Click [show] for important translation instructions.
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| Grouping | Yokai |
|---|---|
| Sub grouping | Reptile |
| Other name(s) | Tsuchinoko (Romaji), Bachi-hebi (North Japan) |
| Country | Japan |
In Japanese folklore, the tsuchinoko (ツチノコ or 槌の子), literally translating to "child of hammer", is a snake-like being. The name tsuchinoko is prevalent in Western Japan, including Kansai and Shikoku; the creature is known as bachi hebi (バチヘビ) in Northeastern Japan.
Tsuchinoko are described as being between 30 and 80 centimetres (12 and 31 inches) in length, similar in appearance to a snake, but with a central girth that is much wider than its head or tail, and as having fangs and venom similar to that of a viper.[1] Some accounts also describe the tsuchinoko as being able to jump up to 1 metre (3.3 feet) in distance followed immediately by a second jump while still in the air.[2][failed verification]
According to legend, some tsuchinoko have the ability to speak and a propensity for lying, and they are also said to have a taste for alcohol. Legend records that it will sometimes swallow its own tail so that it can roll like a wheel, similarly to the "hoop snake" of American legend.[3]
In Popular Culture
The Pokémon Dunsparce is based on the tsuchinoko.
In Yo-kai Watch the Yo-kai Noko and its evolution Bloominoko are based on the tsuchinoko.
Wild tsuchinoko can be captured in several Metal Gear Solid games.
In the anime Blood Lad Staz the Vampire orders tsuchinoko for a meal.
See also
References
- ^ Moriguchi, Kenzo (2001-06-16). "Town touting mythical snake find; is 'rare' creature really a cash cow?". The Japan Times. Retrieved 2010-05-10.
- ^ Metropolis, "Fortean Japan", 27 June 2008, p. 12.
- ^ Pruett, Chris (November 2010). "The Anthropology of Fear: Learning About Japan Through Horror Games" (PDF). Interface on the Internet. 10 (9). Retrieved July 26, 2018.