Bashe
In Chinese folklore, Bashe is a snake large enough to devour elephants. It is strangely discerning, preferring only the oldest and wisest of elephants.
At a glance
- Tradition
- Chinese mythology
- Region
- China (place of origin)
- Trait family
- The Silent-Winged
- Symbols
- Snake
Near this figure
Symbols
Judged against the description by a model. Meanings are our own paraphrase.
- Snake is Snake is a broad serpent symbol of creation and guardianship; South American traditions name Snake a primordial earth-maker and giver of hunting arts.
why
In Chinese folklore, Bashe is a snake large enough to devour elephants.
Traits
Read from the figure's description, which a model wrote. Open "why" for the sentence a trait came from.
Form
- Unnaturally wide jaw swallows large prey
why
possessing a body so vast that it could easily engulf these pachyderms whole
- Serpentine elongated body
why
This behemoth of the animal kingdom is said to dwarf even the mightiest elephants, possessing a body so vast that it could easily engulf these pachyderms whole.
Behaviour
- Hypnotic gaze lures prey willingly
why
Some legends speak of the Bashe's hypnotic gaze, capable of luring its chosen prey willingly into its massive maw.
- Selectively preys on the wise or elderly
why
Unlike indiscriminate predators, the Bashe seeks out only the most ancient and sagacious of elephants.
Offensive powers
- Devouring
why
This behemoth of the animal kingdom is said to dwarf even the mightiest elephants, possessing a body so vast that it could easily engulf these pachyderms whole.
- Hypnotic gaze
why
Some legends speak of the Bashe's hypnotic gaze, capable of luring its chosen prey willingly into its massive maw.
Utility powers
- Stealth movement
why
Others tell of its ability to move with surprising stealth for a creature of such size, striking with lightning speed when the moment is right.
Roles
Judged from the works' own entries, not from the description. Carries: the figure holds the role. Meets: the role is in its stories, held by something it meets.
- Death carries both readings
1 citation
- Theresa Bane, Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore, s.v. "Ba She."
- Shadow carries
1 citation
- Theresa Bane, Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore, s.v. "Ba She."
- Father meets
1 citation
- Theresa Bane, Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore, s.v. "Ba She."