Hey Everyone! Welcome back!
So the last few times we've looked at some malevolent dream related myths. This time, I thought we'd cover a mythology involving a creature that is actually benevolent to the sleeper. So, for this myth, we're looking to Japan's mythology involving a curious creature called the Baku.
So, what is the Baku?
While primarily known as a Japanese myth, it did originate from Chinese folklore, but has been comfortably in Japanese mythology by the 14th-15th century.
According to the mythology, the Baku is a creature that was created of left over parts of different animals, creating a chimera like creature. Though because the work 'Baku' is also commonly used to name a Malayan Tapir, the Baku spirit is sometimes pictured as having similar features to its real life counterpart. Unlike the Chimera in Greek mythology, or a tapir, however, the Baku would eat the nightmares of suffering sleepers.
The myth states that if someone (specifically children in the stories) wakes after a nightmare, and they call out three times to a Baku 'Baku-san, come eat my dream', then the Baku would come to devour the nightmare and allow the person to go back to sleep peacefully again. They say, however, not to call upon the Baku too much, as it is still hungry after eating a nightmare, and may eat the sleepers hopes and dreams as well, leading to an empty life.
All things are good when used sparingly, as they say.
Still, because of the connections to eating nightmares, it is common to have a Baku on talismans and the like on children's bedsides to ward off nightmares.
I'll admit this mythology was another that helped to expand my ideas for Dreamwalkers. Though SOS doesn't typically 'eat' dreams they certainly do stop them so people can sleep peacefully again. The SOS business card could be considered a talisman, though. lol
Still, its nice to know that not all dream mythology is bad. And there is still plenty more things that dream mythology has in store as well!
Until next time!
Tara
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