The Nue is a yokai (supernatural creature from Japanese folklore) with the particularity of being a hybrid being, composed of animal parts from several different species. He is often represented as a mixture of snake, monkey, tanuki (an animal resembling a raccoon dog) and bird. Its silhouette is generally black and its skin is covered with shiny scales, while its claws are sharp and its eyes bright.
Origins and history of Nue
The Nue first appeared in the writings of Heian-era poet and author Ki no Tsurayuki, in his work “The Diary of Tosa”. This book tells a story of Nue, where the creature takes up residence on the roof of an imperial palace, causing illness and misfortune to the residents.
In Japanese mythology, the Nue is considered an evil animal, responsible for mysterious illnesses and deaths. It is often associated with natural disasters such as earthquakes, storms and fires. According to legend, the creature lives in forests and mountains, but emerges from its hiding place to wreak havoc on towns and villages.
Nue symbolism and cultural representations
Nue has become an important symbol in Japanese culture, appearing in numerous works of art, such as prints, paintings and sculptures. It is also present in many mangas, video games and anime.
In the video game “Final Fantasy”, the Nue is represented as a boss, where the player must fight him to progress in the story. In the anime “Naruto”, the character Haku has a fighting technique called “The Ice Nue”, which summons an ice dragon resembling a Nue.
The Nue is also an important symbol in Japanese popular culture, where it is often associated with luck and fortune. Some people wear amulets featuring this creature to protect themselves from illness and misfortune.
