Baku

Summary: The Baku is a supernatural creature from Japanese folklore, known as the "dream eater." It is believed to have been created from the spare pieces left over from the creation of other animals. The Baku is often depicted with the body of a bear, the head of an elephant, the eyes of a rhinoceros, and the legs and paws of a tiger. It is summoned to consume nightmares and ensure peaceful sleep, however, folklore warns that frequent summoning may lead it to devour all dreams, including hopes and aspirations.

The Dream Eater of Japanese FolkloreFolklore encompasses myths, legends, jokes, prover More

The Baku is a supernaturalSupernatural narratives evoke forces beyond nature More creature from Japanese folklore, known as the “dream eater.” It is a chimera, that according to legend, were created by the spare pieces that were left over when the gods finished creating all other animals.

The Baku has a composite appearance that most often includes the body of a bear, the head of an elephant, the eyes of a rhinoceros, and the legs and paws of a tiger. In some images it has the head of a tapir, and even a lion.

The Baku is invoked to consume nightmares, granting peaceful sleep, but folklore warns that summoning it too frequently may lead it to devour dreams of all kinds, including hopes and aspirations.

Origin & History

The Baku is a mystical creature deeply embedded in Japanese folklore, revered for its ability to devour nightmares. This supernaturalSupernatural narratives evoke forces beyond nature More being is said to consume the dark and disturbing dreams that plague individuals during sleep, allowing them to rest peacefully.

Originally from Chinese folklore (where it is known as the Mo [1]9th Century Chimera the Mo. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mo_(Chinese_zoology) ) the concept of the Baku was brought to Japan during the Muromachi period [2]Hori Tadao 2005 “Cultural note on dreaming and dream study in the future: Release from nightmare and development of dream control technique,” Sogical Rhythms 3 (2), 49–55 and slowly evolved into a widely recognized figure, particularly associated with sleep and dreams.

Initially a protective talisman, the Baku was often carved into wooden amulets or painted near pillows and headboards. Children were taught to say, “Baku-san, come eat my dream,” if they had a nightmare. These words were thought to summon the creature to consume the dream and restore peaceful sleep.

The Baku became a staple of Edo-period artwork and ghost stories, and its image continues to appear in modern anime, manga, and spiritual practices.

The Baku Physical Description

The appearance of the Baku is as fantastical as its nature.  In its earliest depiction, it was a protective force, warding off pestilence and evil. In later centuries, however, the Baku’s role shifted more towards a creature specifically designed to consume nightmares. In this updated form, the Baku is often depicted with:

• the head of an elephant, including it’s tusks and trunk.
• The horns of an ox or ram.
• The legs, paws and claws of a tiger.
• the ears of a Rhinoceros.
• The tail of a cow.

The Baku Powers & Abilities

The Baku’s primary power is the ability to consume bad dreams. Legends state that anyone who suffers from nightmares can call out to the Baku, asking it to devour the disturbing visions plaguing their sleep.

This ability makes the Baku an important figure in dream-related folklore. If a person wakes up from a nightmare, it’s said that they can call for the Baku three times by saying, “Baku-san, come eat my dream.” The creature is believed to enter the room and, with its dream-devouring powers, cleanse the mind of the disturbing visions, allowing the sleeper to return to rest. 

To summarize, the Baku has the powers of:

• Dream Consumption – Its primary power is the ability to devour nightmares. It is summoned by chanting its name before falling asleep.
• Dream Protection – Once summoned, the Baku wards off evil spirits and ensures a restful night.
• Dream-walking – Some tales describe the Baku navigating through dreamscapes to locate and remove negative entities.

However, this gift comes with a cautionary tale. If the Baku is called too frequently, or if it remains hungry after consuming nightmares, it is believed that the creature will begin to devour not only the bad dreams but also the person’s hopes and desires. This, in turn, is said to leave the individual empty, hollow, and living without emotion, ambition or joy.

Cultural Significance

In Japanese culture, sleep and dreams are closely tied to spiritual well-being. The Baku represents the desire to control what lies beyond consciousness—a supernaturalSupernatural narratives evoke forces beyond nature More guardian against inner chaos.

Throughout the Edo and Meiji periods, illustrations of Baku were printed in spell-books and its image was carved into protective amulets and charms. 

Baku and the Malayan Tapir: In modern times, the name Baku is also used to refer to the Malayan tapir [3]Nakagawa Masako (1999). “Sankai ibutsu: An early seventeenth-century Japanese illustrated manuscript”. Sino-Japanese Studies. 11 (24–38): 33–34. , a real-world animal known for its distinct coloration and trunk-like nose. This connection to the tapir has sparked some modern reinterpretations of the Baku, where it is depicted as a more gentle, tapir-like creature rather than the fearsome, nightmare-eating beast of tradition.

The Baku as a Talisman: In the early 20th century, it was common for Japanese children to carry a Baku talisman in their pockets or keep one under their pillow. These talismans, often shaped as small figurines or carvings, were thought to protect them from bad dreams and nightmares, serving as a physical embodiment of the Baku’s protective powers [4]“Baku: Monster that Eats Nightmares”. LACMA Collections. Archived from the original on October 29, 2017. Retrieved October 12, 2010. .

Symbolic Meaning: The Baku symbolizes both protection and danger. It is a dual-force creature, capable of offering relief from nightmares while also serving as a warning about overdependence. It represents the thin line between comfort and vulnerability, a reminder that there is a cost to every action. The creature is deeply tied to the concept of balance—consuming only the bad and leaving the good behind. 

Modern Appearances (Pop Culture, Urban Legends, etc.)

Today, the Baku appears in various forms of media, including anime, manga, and video games, often maintaining its association with dreams and nightmares. The creature has been depicted as a wise and helpful being, but its darker side is also explored in modern interpretations where it is seen as a more ominous figure who can consume more than just nightmares.

• Anime & Manga: Baku appear as characters or dream spirits in series like D.Gray-man, Bakugan, and Yume Tsukai.
• Video Games: Referenced or featured in titles like Shin Megami Tensei and Persona.
• Literature: The Baku appears in modern horror fiction and speculative fantasy involving dream manipulation.
• Art & Tattoos: Its hybrid form makes it popular in contemporary tattoo culture and surrealist illustration.

Baku San – Come Eat My Dream Video

Related Creatures

• Mō (Chinese Myth) – The original dream-devouring beast that inspired the Baku.
• Mara (BuddhistBuddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, emphasize More Myth) – A demonic entity, the Mara disturbs meditation and invades dreams.
• Incubus/Succubus (European FolkloreFolklore encompasses myths, legends, jokes, prover More) – Entities that visit people in their sleep to drain life energy.