Ōmukade (大百足)

Name Meaning

Overview

Ōmukade (大百足) literally means “giant centipede” in Japanese and refers to an enormous and dangerous yokai insect.

• Ō (大) = Giant
• Mukade (百足) = Centipede

Origin

• Featured in the legend of Fujiwara no Hidesato, a hero who defeated it near Lake Biwa.
• Appears in numerous regional folktales involving dragon kings and underwater palaces.

Appearance

• Depicted as a centipede as long as a mountain road, with a body armored in black and red plates.
• Its bite is said to be venomous and fatal to most creatures, including dragons.

Behavior & Myths

• Dwells in mountains and near lakes, preying on anything in its path.
• Hated by dragons and serpent gods due to its toxic nature.
• Defeated by Fujiwara no Hidesato using a sacred arrow dipped in his own saliva.

Symbolism

• Symbolizes poison, corruption, and unrelenting danger.
• Its defeat by Hidesato stands as a metaphor for valor over overwhelming odds.