According to Norinaga MOTOORI, it is noted in Wamyo-sho (a dictionary compiled in the Heian period) that 'wani has four legs,' 'it means crocodiles,' 'when a large deer crosses the river it drags it into the water' (Kojikiden).
本居宣長によれば和名抄に「和邇は四足があり」「鰐のこと」「大鹿が川を渡る時引きずり込み」とある（古事記伝）。