The Legend of Amanojaku

The Amanojaku is a demon-like creature from Japanese folklore, usually depicted as a small oni. It is said to be able to provoke a person’s darkest desires and instigate them into committing wicked deeds due to its contrary nature. It is also known for its appearance in the fairytale Uriko-hime, in which it kidnaps or devours a melon princess and sometimes impersonates her by wearing her flayed skin.

The Amanojaku is thought to have been derived from Amanosagume, a wicked deity in Shinto mythology with a similar contrary nature and ability to see into a person’s heart. It has also become a part of Buddhist thought, where it is considered an opponent of Buddhist teachings and is often depicted as being subdued into righteousness by Bishamonten or one of the other Shitenno.

In popular culture, the Amanojaku has become a well-known character, especially in speculative fiction, where writers explore its mysterious and often dark nature. It has also been featured in other Japanese stories, such as the famous story Urikohime, in which an Amanojaku kills Princess Uriko and fools her parents into thinking that he is her by wearing her skin.

The Amanojaku is often compared to other yokai, such as the Yamauba, which is a variation on the name of a yokai found in Japanese folklore. The Yamauba is described as an old woman who lives in the mountains and is known…