Horse head hanging from an old tree
Sagari
On a windless night, only one branch stirs. Do not look up. The horseless head is waiting to neigh.
Overview
Sagari is a yokai from Okayama's Oku District and parts of Kyushu. At night, the severed head of a horse hangs from an old enoki or persimmon tree and neighs. It may be the spirit of a horse that died on the road.
Encounter
On a deserted old road at night, a tree rustles without wind. Looking up, the traveler sees a horse head hanging from the branch and opening its mouth to neigh.
Lore
Sagari is recorded in oral traditions from Okayama and Kyushu, including Nankan and Tamana in Kumamoto. In some places, seeing it is said to bring fever.
Traits
It appears only at particular trees and places. It does not directly attack, but the sight or voice is feared as an omen of illness.
A horse's head hangs from a tree; those who see it fall ill with fever.
Murakami Kenji, Yokai Jiten