Daily mythical creature 283: the Nue [Japanese folklore; yokai]!

(image source: Toriyama Sekien, 18th century)

The Nue has a lot in common with Greek, Roman, and western European chimeras or similar creatures. This mythical creature from Japanese folklore has the head of a monkey attached to the body of a tiger, and its tail is a snake with a head at the end. It is primarily known for its terrifying cry, as it is active during the night, when its howls can be heard. This howl supposedly goes like “hyooo, hyooo, hyooo” and sounds like a monstrous bird.

The mythical hero Genzanmi supposedly killed the beast with an arrow.