牛鬼 · oni · Japan

Ushi-Oni

Ushi-Oni are fearsome demon creatures resembling a hybrid of a cow and an ogre. They are known to terrorize rural communities and are associated with natural disasters. Despite their menacing appearance, they are sometimes depicted as guardians of farmland.

Legend

A story tells of a villager who bravely faced an ushi-oni that had been plaguing his village. After defeating it, he earned the respect of his neighbors and became a local hero.