Name Meaning
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.
