Sagari (さがり)

Name Meaning

Overview

Sagari (さがり) literally means “to hang” or “dangling,” referring to the way the ghostly horse head hangs from trees.

Origin

• Originates from the folklore of Kyūshū, Japan's southernmost main island.
• Thought to be the restless spirit of a horse that died in distress or was sacrificed.

Appearance

• A disembodied horse’s head with wide, staring eyes and an open mouth.
• Hangs from tree branches, swaying as if alive.
• Appears suddenly on forest roads or mountain paths at night.

Behavior & Myths

• Let out terrifying neighs that echo through the woods.
• Believed to bring illness or misfortune to those who encounter it.
• Encounters are considered omens of disaster.

Symbolism

• Represents lingering grief and pain from violent or sorrowful deaths.
• Serves as a spiritual warning not to ignore the suffering of animals.