Tradition: Chinese Mythology
Alternative Names: 狙如, Juru
Category: Marten
The Myth
Juru is a supernatural beast recorded in the Shan Hai Jing (Classic of Mountains and Seas), in the section known as Zhongci Shiyi Jing. It resembles a wushu, a rodent-like creature, but has distinctive white ears and a white muzzle. Unlike the similar wushu, Juru is described as having fur suitable for making fur garments.
Juru is considered an omen of war and disorder. According to the tradition, wherever this creature appears, military conflict and unrest are expected to follow. Its association with calamity places it among the ominous beasts whose appearances signal disturbances in the human world.
The animal’s identity remains uncertain. History of Ancient Chinese Zoology suggests that Juru may correspond to the Siberian weasel (Mustela sibirica).
Sources
“狙如 (Zhūrú).” Chinese Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%8B%99%E5%A6%82