mizuchi; mythical water dragon
In Japanese mythology, a serpentine water creature with four legs, horns, and poisonous breath; often associated with rivers and lakes.
In the Kojiki, the mizuchi is depicted as a fearsome creature living in rivers.
龍 is a more general dragon, often benevolent and associated with rain; 蛟 is specifically a water-dwelling, serpentine beast with poisonous breath.
大蛇 is a giant serpent, like Yamata no Orochi; 蛟 is a dragon-like beast with legs and horns, not just a snake.
Most common kanji for this mythological creature.
Kana spelling; useful when the kanji is obscure.
Variant kanji; rarely used.
Variant kanji; rarely used.
Variant kanji; rarely used.
The word みずち is of Old Japanese origin, likely a compound of 水 (mi, 'water') and つ (archaic possessive particle) + 霊 (chi, 'spirit'), meaning 'water spirit'. The exact derivation is uncertain.