The interpretation of the yamauba motifs in Japanese legends and folk tales

Abstract

This article discusses popular yamauba motifs and themes in Japanese legends and folk tales. Yamauba, the Japanese witch, is one of the well-known figures of Japanese folklore. It belongs to the world of monsters and spirits called yōkai 妖怪 that inhabit Japanese myths and legends and that have been explained as personifications of supernatural phenomena originally venerated as deities. A close examination of yamauba motifs shows that yamauba, too, is linked with ancient beliefs regarding fertility and agricultural production as well as with the cult of sacred mountains. In its various appearances, the yamauba, like many other Japanese yōkai, is distinguished by a double character ranging from a fearful monster bringing misfortune to humans to a spirit bringing good luck to those who help her. An analysis of Japanese folk tales thus offers insights into the deeper layers of traditional Japanese folk culture and belief.