Tradition / Region: Japanese Mythology
Alternate Names: —
Category: Cow
The Myth
In later times in Japan, people spoke of a strange child known as the Cowpox Baby.
He was shown as a young boy from distant lands, said to be Dutch-born, riding upon the back of a great white cow. On his arm were red marks, signs of a mysterious protection he carried. In his hand he held a sharp needle like a spear.
Before him fled the red smallpox god, a fearful spirit believed to bring sickness to children. The god was shown with a fierce, demon-like face and wore a straw sack decorated with red rice cakes, offerings linked to his worship. The Cowpox Baby chased this spirit, driving it away and shielding the children it pursued.
In some tellings, the child reaches out to save another boy or girl from the smallpox god, placing himself between the spirit and its victim. Songs were sung of him, praising the child who lived without fear of the illness and who brought safety to others.
Images of this strange rider spread far and wide, and the Cowpox Baby came to be seen as a protector who rode the white cow against the spirit of disease, guarding children from harm and driving away the red god wherever he appeared.
Gallery
Sources
TYZ Yokai Encyclopedia. (2021, December 31). 牛痘児 (Cow pox baby), from https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1079978230.html
Interpretive Lenses
Religious Readings
- Christian Ascetic Deep Dive
Philosophical Readings
- Nietzschean Deep Dive
Psychological Readings
- Jungian Deep Dive
Esoteric Deep Dive
- Hermetic Deep Dive
Political / Social Readings
- Marxist Deep Dive