World and Lore / Historical mystery

The Nue

The Nue is a chimeric monster of Japanese mythology that is generally described as having the face of a monkey, the body of a racoon dog, and the limbs of a tiger - though there are alternative accounts which suggest a different configuration of parts. If there is any consensus at all about its terrible appearance, it is that it combines elements from several familiar animals. Remarkably, the diaries of ancient nobles frequently made reference to the Nue, and many were those who claimed to have heard or seen one. Tales and legends of the Nue can be found all across Japan. A particularly well-known story has it that a Nue once appeared on the hallowed grounds of the Imperial Palace, whereupon it was heroically shot down by the master archer Minamoto no Yorimasa.