Basan : The Fire Breathing Chicken

Basan

Introduction

The Basan is a type of bird that is related to folklore and mythology in Japan. It is depicted in Takehara Shunsen’s Gazu Hyakki Yagy and Ehonaku Monogatari. When startled, the bird beat its wings, which produces a distinctive “basabasa” sound. According to individuals who have seen these birds, they usually disappear into thin air after being spotted.

Physical Traits

The Basan are only found in the mountains of Shikoku, and they are about as big as a turkey. They are easy to identify due to their vibrant red comb and the appearance of flame-like tongues in their feathers. Their breath also flows from their mouth, and the fire does not ignite combustible materials. When it flaps its wings, an unsettling “basabasa” sound is heard, and its form will suddenly disappear if a person hears it.

Family

The Basans live in bamboo groves, and they are completely nocturnal. Their diet consists of charred wood and embers. They also go to villages at night to hunt for the remains of charcoal and bonfires.

Other names

The basan is also known as basabasa or inu hōō in Japanese folklore. The name basan itself is a description of the sound made by its flapping wings.

Powers and Abilities

The basan is rare and mysterious but quite popular in the Japanese folklore. However, its powers are restricted to vanishing from the sight of humans and having flames around it.

Modern Day Influence

The Basan is also used as the inspiration for some of the Pokémon’s primary families, such as Blaziken, Combusken and Torchic.