The Cry of the Nue: Echoes of Japan’s Legendary Chimera
Japan is a land steeped in folklore, where the line between the physical world and the spiritual realm often blurs. Among the myriad of yōkai (spirits and monsters) that populate Japanese mythology, few are as terrifying or as culturally significant as the Nue. Often referred to as the Japanese chimera, the Nue is famous not just for its grotesque appearance, but for its haunting, eerie call—the “Cry of the Nue.” For travelers and culture enthusiasts, understanding this creature unlocks a fascinating layer of Kyoto’s ancient history.
Introduction: A Sound in the Night
Imagine the Heian period (794–1185), an era of aristocratic elegance and deep superstition. In the dead of night, a black cloud descends over the Imperial Palace in Kyoto. From within the darkness comes a sound: a sorrowful, flute-like whistling that chills the blood. Hyo, hyo, hyo…
This sound is known as Nue no Nakigoe (The Cry of the Nue). While modern ornithologists identify this sound with the White’s Thrush (a bird known as Toratsugumi in Japanese), the ancients believed it was the call of a harbinger of illness and misfortune. To hear the Cry of the Nue was to look death in the face.
Origins: The anatomy of a Nightmare
The Nue is one of the oldest recorded monsters in Japanese folklore. It is a classic chimera, a beast composed of parts from various animals. According to historical descriptions, the Nue possesses:
- The face of a Monkey
- The legs of a Tiger
- The body of a Tanuki (Raccoon Dog)
- The front half of a Snake for a tail
The combination of these animals corresponds to the directions of the Chinese zodiac (Northeast for Tiger, Southeast for Snake, Southwest for Monkey), representing the “oni-mon” or the demon’s gate—a direction associated with bad luck and danger. However, it is the creature’s cry that gave it its name. In ancient texts, the bird we now know as the White’s Thrush was simply called “Nue.” Over time, the terrifying mysterious monster that made a similar sound usurped the name, becoming the beast we know today.
The Legend: The Archer and the Emperor
The most famous tale involving the Nue is set in the year 1153. Emperor Konoe, the 17-year-old ruler of Japan, had fallen violently ill. Every night, at the Hour of the Ox (roughly 2:00 AM), a dark cloud would cover the palace, and the Emperor would suffer from terrible nightmares and convulsions. The court physicians and priests were helpless.
Suspecting a supernatural cause, the court summoned the master archer Minamoto no Yorimasa. One night, as the black cloud descended and the eerie cry echoed through the courtyard, Yorimasa drew his bow. Guided only by the sound and a flash of movement, he loosed an arrow into the heart of the cloud.
A shriek pierced the air, and a heavy mass crashed to the ground. Yorimasa’s retainer, Ino Hayata, rushed forward to finish the beast with his sword. When the torches were brought close, they revealed the grotesque, amalgamated form of the Nue. The Emperor recovered immediately, and Yorimasa was awarded the legendary sword Shishio (Lion King) for his bravery.
Modern Culture: The Nue Lives On
The Cry of the Nue continues to echo through modern Japanese pop culture. Because the creature represents the unknown and the chaotic, it appears frequently in anime, manga, and video games.
- Video Games: In the popular Nioh series and Shin Megami Tensei franchise, the Nue appears as a formidable boss, often depicted with lightning abilities (referencing the thunderclouds it hides in).
- Anime: Series like Boruto and Mononoke have featured the Nue as a dark spiritual entity that feeds on negative emotions.
- Theater: The Nue is a staple in Noh theater. The play simply titled “Nue” depicts the ghost of the creature killed by Yorimasa, seeking salvation for its soul. The haunting flute music of Noh perfectly mimics the bird-like cry of the legend.
Traveler’s Tips: Hunting the Nue in Kyoto
For those visiting Kyoto, you can trace the path of this legend. The city is dotted with sites related to Yorimasa and the Nue.
- Nijo Park (Nue-daimyojin): Located just north of Nijo Castle, there is a small, unassuming shrine called Nue-daimyojin. It is said to be built upon the mound where the body of the Nue was buried (or where the arrow-pierced blood fell). It is a quiet, eerie spot amidst a residential area.
- Shin’en-do Temple: This temple houses a dedicated grave for the Nue. Legend says the locals, fearful of the curse, floated the carcass down the Kamo River, and it washed up here, where it was respectfully buried.
- The Kamo River: Walking along the banks of the Kamo River at twilight offers a glimpse into the atmosphere of Heian-kyo. While you likely won’t see a monkey-tiger beast, you might hear the whistling of the White’s Thrush if you are hiking in the nearby mountains of Kurama or Kibune.
Travel Tip: Visit these sites on a cloudy day or at dusk to fully appreciate the atmospheric tension that gave birth to the legend.
Sources & Further Reading
To dive deeper into the lore of the Nue and the Heian period, the following historical texts and translations are essential:
- The Tale of the Heike (Heike Monogatari): This epic account of the Genpei War contains the primary textual source for the story of Minamoto no Yorimasa and the Nue.
- Kojiki & Nihon Shoki: While they predate the specific Yorimasa legend, these ancient chronicles provide the foundation for the spiritual worldview of Japan.
- The Book of Yōkai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore by Michael Dylan Foster.
The Cry of the Nue serves as a reminder that in Japan, history is never just about facts; it is about the sounds, spirits, and stories that linger in the shadows.