Name Meaning
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.
