Nue: The Chimera of Night
The Biological Puzzle
The Nue is the oldest recorded yōkai in Japanese history (appearing in the Kojiki, 712 AD). It is a chimera of chaos that defies natural classification.
- Face: A monkey (disturbingly human-like).
- Body: A Tanuki (Raccoon Dog).
- Limbs: The legs of a tiger.
- Tail: A venomous snake. Its cry is its most terrifying feature—a lonely, whistling sound like the White Thrush (Toratsugumi) that echoes in the dead of night.
The Cloud of Sickness
The Nue is a spiritual parasite. It hides inside a thick, unnatural black cloud that moves against the wind. When this cloud settles over a palace or home, the inhabitants fall victim to unexplained nightmares and wasting diseases. It feeds on the fear and vitality of sleeping victims.
The Emperor's Curse
In 1153 AD, the Emperor Konoe fell violently ill. Every night at 2:00 AM (the Hour of the Ox), a black cloud hovered over the Imperial Palace. The master archer Minamoto no Yorimasa was summoned. He fired a single arrow blindly into the cloud. A shriek was heard, and a massive chimera crashed to the earth. His retainer finished the beast, and the Emperor recovered immediately.
The Radioactive Corpse
The dead body of the Nue was too cursed to be buried in the capital. The people feared its malign energy. They placed the carcass on a boat and floated it down the Kamo River. Wherever it washed ashore, the locals—terrified of the curse—built a mound to appease the angry spirit. These Nuezuka (Nue Mounds) still exist today.
The Final Warning
Some clouds do not carry rain; they carry sickness. If a sudden chill grips your house, or a black mist settles on your roof moving against the wind, checking the thermostat will not help you. A chimera is feeding on your dreams. Conventional medicine has no cure for a monster; you need an arrow.
