One of the most popular things in Japanese mythology are the yokai. The famous spirits and creatures that inhabit the land alongside us. There are thousands of them, and in this article, we will talk about the Tsuchinoko [槌の子].
In Japanese folklore, the Tsuchinoko is a being resembling a snake. Its name can be literally translated as “child of the hammer” or “child of the dirt.” This name, “tsuchinoko,” is predominant in Western Japan, including Kansai and Shikoku.
However, in the northeastern region of Japan, this name is not as applicable. In this region, this creature is known as bachi hebi. The nomenclature may be different, but the creature is the same. So let’s stop talking about names and start discussing the creature itself.
Curiosity: The Pokémon Dunsparce was inspired by this Japanese yokai.
What is a Tsuchinoko like?
The Tsuchinoko is described as being 30 to 80 centimeters long and very similar to a snake. However, it has a central circumference that is much wider than its head or tail. Yes, we can compare this appearance to a snake when it eats something large and becomes swollen.
Additionally, the Tsuchinoko has fangs and venom similar to those of vipers. Some reports also describe the Tsuchinoko as being capable of jumping up to 1 meter away. And it doesn’t stop there; it also has the ability to make another jump while still in the air.
According to legend, some Tsuchinoko have the ability to speak and a tendency to lie. They also have a taste for alcohol. The legend records that sometimes the Tsuchinoko swallows its own tail, allowing it to spin like a wheel.
Quite peculiar things gathered in a creature just a few centimeters long.
Have you heard about the Kitsunes or the Kappas?
Have you seen a Tsuchinoko?
This is a question that is very difficult to answer positively. After all, this is a yokai, a creature from Japanese folklore. But it is quite easy to confuse a food-swollen snake with this creature. Perhaps this is where the rumors of these beings being seen originate.
But seriously, we have many interesting creatures in Japanese folklore. And it is always good to learn more about them; there is never boredom about this. And as mentioned before, we have other articles here on the site that talk about other yokai.
Check out the other articles, and if you have any questions, suggestions, or anything like that, leave your comment. I ask you to share the article on social media; it helps a lot. Other than that, thank you for reading the article, see you next time.
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