Baku
"Don't worry little one the baku isn't going to harm you. They were created to get rid of our bad dreams. You can sleep tight knowing it'll keep you safe."
~ Unknown Mother to Child
Basic Information
Anatomy
Though incorporeal the baku has been compared to tapir when allegedly observed. Though the baku is described as having either blue or violet colored fur. Their eyes can be blue, bright yellow, orange, or iridescent.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Due to its incorporeal nature the baku doesn't require physical sustenance it instead feeds off of the nightmares of children. Most times this will be enough for the baku to sustain itself for multiple days, but if the nightmare isn't fulfilling enough the baku will start to devour the hopes and desires of the child.
Additional Information
Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms
The baku has a symbiotic relationship with human children. The baku consumes the nightmares of children to feed itself. Though rare, the baku will devour the hope and and desires of children. Even with this uncommon occurrence the baku is beneficial to society and the individual it feeds off of.
Civilization and Culture
Common Myths and Legends
It is said that the baku was created by the gods utilizing spare parts they had created all the other animals. Legends say that the baku was particularly liked by all the gods.
A common myth in Chinese and Japanese culture is that the baku eat the dreams of children. Some parents will attempt to summon a baku through archaic rituals when children are having particularly bad nightmares. The darker stories of the baku offer a far grimmer interpretation of the baku's dream eating abilities.
In modern culture the baku inspired the creation of Drowzee and Hypno in the popular Pokemon video game series.
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