[Old Woman Series] Yama-uba [Yokai Encyclopedia]

Residence

It is an old woman youkai who lives in the mountains.

Yama-uba kindly provides accommodation for lost travelers, and prepares meals and beds.

At that time she will be kind in the form of an ordinary old woman.

However, it is said that after the traveler goes to bed, the Yama-uba becomes a true figure and eats the traveler.

The theory that the true identity is an old woman who was abandoned in the mountains because of reducing the number of mouths one needs to feed, and that the shrine maiden who serves the mountain god became a youkai.

In addition, there are also things called "Yamahime" and "Yamajoro" when they are young and classified according to their age.

Item

The current image seems to be a kitchen knife or an ax, but what I would like to introduce is "Takara Mino".

"Takara" means treasure.

"Mino" is worn over clothes to prevent rain.

In other words, it is a raincoat used in Japan in the old days.

And this Yama-uba's "Takara Mino" can be transformed into the figure you want to be if you cast the spell three times after wearing it. For example, you can be an old man or a child.

mother

Yama-uba has a slightly scary image so far, but he is also known as the mother of "Kintaro" who is famous for winning sumo with a bear.

Also, in the story of "Takara Mino", there is a story that he gave "Takara Mino" so that she could return safely with pity for young woman who got lost and entered the mountain.

summary

・ There is a theory that the true identity is an old woman abandoned in the mountains and a shrine maiden who serves the ghostly mountain god.

・ Has a versatile item "Takara Mino"

・ Is it actually a kind person?

Is there a scary old woman youkai living in the mountains in your country?