Name Meaning
Hakutaku (白沢) is a mythical beast said to appear only to virtuous rulers. Its name combines the kanji for "white" and "marsh" or "swamp."
- Haku (白) = white
- Taku (沢) = swamp, marsh
Origin
- Originally from Chinese folklore as Bai Ze (白澤), later adopted into Japanese mythology.
- According to legend, appeared to Emperor Huangdi and explained thousands of demons and how to protect against them.
- Respected as a divine advisor and bringer of knowledge.
Appearance
- Often depicted with multiple eyes and horns, with a leonine or bovine body.
- Glows with a white aura of wisdom and purity.
- Sometimes illustrated as walking upright like a sage beast.
Behavior & Myths
- Appears to great rulers to bestow secret knowledge of spirits and protection techniques.
- Associated with ancient Chinese medical texts and demonology scrolls.
- Seen as a guardian of balance between the human and spirit worlds.
Symbolism
- Symbol of wisdom, virtue, and divine favor.
- Invoked in charms to ward off evil and misfortune.
- Appears in both Taoist and Buddhist lore as a sacred being.
