Human-Head Cow
件 くだん
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Prominent for delivering news of death and tragedy, the kudan has been documented since the Heian Period (year 794 – 1185). Usually only living for weeks at a time, the kudan is a cow with the head of a human.
Not to be mistaken for creatures such as 牛女 (ushi-onna / cow woman) or 赤べこ (aka-beko / red cow), the kudan is believed to be the most terrifying creature due to the accuracy of its claims. Its prophecies of disasters were considered to be fact to the point businesses would use 'like the kudan' in their contracts in a promise to fulfill negotiations.
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The kudan states prophesies of plagues, wars, and disasters. Listeners can be saved by following the requests of the kudan.
Images: https://matome.naver.jp/odai/2134119799453544101 Similar to biblical predictions, the kudan would offer a treaty while foretelling events, stating people would be spared if they committed to an act such as eating red beans within three days.
The kudan's popularity rekindled during the late Meiji Period (year 1868 – 1912) after a newspaper in Nagoya reported sightings in the Goto Islands.
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Kudan are believed to only live a few weeks after birth; long enough to share a tale of caution.
Images: https://matome.naver.jp/odai/2134119799453544101 |
While reports have dwindled in recent years, mentions of the kudan are still considered frightening – particularly for children in rural Nagoya.
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