Tradition: Japanese Mythology
Alternative Names: Inaba no Shiro Usagi, 因幡の白兎, Hare of Inaba
Category: Rabbit
The Myth
The White Rabbit of Inaba is a clever white hare who tricks sea creatures into forming a bridge across the sea. After convincing them to line up, the rabbit hops across their backs. Just before reaching land, it boasts that it has deceived them. Enraged, the sea creatures tear off its fur, leaving it wounded and in pain.
The rabbit encounters several gods who cruelly advise it to bathe in seawater and let the wind dry its body, making its suffering even worse. Eventually, it meets Ōnamuji, also known as Ōkuninushi, who kindly tells it to wash in fresh water and cover itself with cattail pollen. The treatment heals its wounds, restoring its fur.
Grateful for this kindness, the rabbit predicts that Ōnamuji will marry the beautiful goddess Yakami-hime, despite his many brothers competing for her hand. The prophecy comes true, and the rabbit becomes associated with healing, divine guidance, and matchmaking.
Sources
“Hare of Inaba.” 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑 (New TYZ Yokai Encyclopedia). https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1084458606.html