Baku://

> Pronunciation: (BAH-koo)

> English name: Dream eater

> Distinctive features: Elephant trunk, tiger legs, ox tail, sometimes lion features. chimera like but generally less scary and more gentle looking.

> Powers: Eats nightmares and bad dreams, acts as a protective spirit while you sleep.

> Habitat: Lives in the dream world / human imagination. Traditionally not something you’d bump into in real life – more of a “shows up when you’re asleep” kind of being.

> Claim to fame: Protector of sleep and dreams. Basically the Japanese dream catcher, but instead of an object it’s a literal creature that sucks up nightmares through its trunk so you can sleep peacefully.

> Common tattoo depictions: Works great as just a head, mask, or full body. Often shown with clouds, smoke, or wind bars flowing from the trunk to add movement. Can also be drawn literally sucking up dark shapes or evil little creatures to represent nightmares being removed. Pairs really nicely with flowers like peonies or chrysanthemums, plus leaves, clouds, or soft background flow.

> Tattoo symbolism: Protection, peaceful sleep, warding off bad luck, spiritual guardianship, calming the mind.