Tsuchinoko
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| Grouping | Yokai Cryptid |
|---|---|
| Sub grouping | Mutter |
| Other name(s) | Tsuchinoko (Romaji), Bachi-hebi (North Japan) |
| Country | Japan |
The Tsuchinoko (ツチノコ or 槌の子?) literally translating to "child of hammer" or "child of gravel", is a legendary snake-like cryptid from Japan. 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 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 a meter in distance.[2]
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 hoop, similarly to the mythical hoop snake. Tsuchinoko are a popular basis for popular culture in Japan.
References[edit]
- ^ 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.
