Tradition / Region: Japanese Mythology
Alternative names: Gozuki, Ox-Head Demon
Category: Cow
The Myth
Gozu appears as a terrifying oni with the head of an ox and the body of a powerful demon. He is one of the great guardians of Meido and Jigoku, where he serves Great King Enma, the ruler of the underworld. His companion Mezu has the head of a horse, while Gozu has the head of an ox.
Gozu and Mezu stand at the gates of hell and are among the first demons encountered by the dead when they enter Jigoku. They oversee the punishment of wicked souls and serve among Enma’s chief torturers.
The two demons possess immense strength, said to be powerful enough to move mountains. They operate the torture chambers of Jigoku and supervise the punishment of countless condemned souls.
If a soul manages to escape from hell, Gozu and Mezu are sent out to find the fugitive and drag it back into the underworld.
Gozu and Mezu are not the only animal-headed demons serving Enma. Other powerful guardians are said to possess the heads of deer, tigers, lions, and boars, and they hold high positions among the demons who guard and operate the tortures of Jigoku.
The tradition of Gozu and the other animal-headed guardians ultimately comes from Indian Buddhist mythology and entered Japanese tradition along with Buddhism through China.
Sources
Meyer, Matthew. “Gozu.” Yokai.com: The Illustrated Database of Japanese Folklore. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://yokai.com/gozu/