The Legend of Tsuchigumo: Japan’s Earth Spider Slayer
Japan is a land where history and mythology intertwine seamlessly, often blurring the lines between ancient political struggles and supernatural terror. Among the myriad creatures of Japanese folklore—known collectively as yokai—few are as imposing or historically significant as the Tsuchigumo, the monstrous “Earth Spider.” The tale of the Tsuchigumo Slayer is not just a ghost story; it is a cultural artifact that has influenced theater, literature, and art for centuries. Join us as we untangle the web of this fascinating legend.
The Origins: Rebels or Monsters?
To understand the Tsuchigumo, one must look back to the dawn of written Japanese history. Interestingly, the term did not originally refer to a giant arachnid.
In ancient texts like the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) and various Fudoki (provincial records), “Tsuchigumo” was a derogatory label used by the imperial Yamato court. It referred to indigenous clans or renegade groups who lived in earth-covered dwellings (pits) and refused to pledge allegiance to the Emperor. These people were described as having short bodies and long arms, physically distinct from the Yamato people.
Over centuries, as the political context faded, the metaphor became literal. The “Earth Spiders” of history transformed in the collective imagination into literal, giant spider monsters that plagued the capital, turning political rebels into supernatural threats that required heroic intervention.
The Legend of the Slayer
The most famous rendition of the Tsuchigumo Slayer revolves around the legendary Heian period warrior, Minamoto no Raiko (also known as Minamoto no Yorimitsu), and his loyal retainer, Watanabe no Tsuna.
The Midnight Visitor
According to the tale (often popularized in the Heike Monogatari variants and Noh theater), Raiko fell terribly ill with a mysterious fever. As he lay in his bed in Kyoto, drifting in and out of consciousness, a strange monk appeared in his room around midnight. The monk began to cast a web over the ailing samurai, intending to bind and devour him.
Despite his sickness, Raiko was a warrior of unparalleled skill. He drew his sword, the Hizamaru, and slashed at the shadow. The monk shrieked and vanished, leaving behind a trail of white blood.
The Hunt
The next morning, Raiko found his fever had broken. He and his retainers, the famous “Four Guardian Kings,” followed the trail of blood deep into the mountains behind the capital. There, they discovered a massive mound covered in thick webs. Inside lurked a spider of nightmarish proportions—the Tsuchigumo.
A fierce battle ensued. Eventually, Raiko struck the killing blow, slicing the beast open. Upon its death, the skulls of countless victims rolled out from its belly. In honor of the deed, Raiko renamed his sword Kumokirimaru (The Spider-Cutter).
Modern Culture and Performing Arts
The Tsuchigumo legend remains a vibrant part of Japanese pop culture and traditional arts.
Noh and Kabuki Theater Perhaps the most visually striking representation of this myth is found in Noh theater. The play titled Tsuchigumo features the dramatic “web-throwing” technique (kumonosu-nage), where the actor playing the spider spirit flings streams of paper streamers that fan out like a web over the stage. It is a spectacle of tension and beauty.
Anime and Gaming In modern media, the Tsuchigumo appears frequently as a boss character or antagonist. From the Nioh video game series to Demon Slayer (where spider demons play a crucial arc), the archetype of the spider manipulator remains a potent symbol of entrapment and hidden danger.
Traveler’s Tips: Tracing the Spider
If you are a folklore enthusiast visiting Japan, you can visit sites associated with this legend.
1. The Tsuchigumo Mound (Kyoto)
Located near the Kamishichiken district in Kyoto, there is a small stone monument known as the Tsuchigumo-zuka. It is said to be the spot where the spirit of the spider was sealed. It is a humble, quiet spot, but for those who know the story, it holds a heavy atmosphere. Locals historically feared moving the stones, believing it would curse the disturber.
2. Kagura Performances (Hiroshima & Shimane)
In the Chugoku region, specifically Hiroshima and Shimane, Kagura (Shinto theatrical dance) is incredibly popular. The Tsuchigumo play is a crowd favorite, featuring elaborate costumes, rapid spins, and pyrotechnics. Watching the hero battle the demon spider while paper webs fly into the audience is an unforgettable cultural experience.
3. Seimei Shrine (Kyoto)
While dedicated to the Abe no Seimei (the Onmyoji), this shrine is a hub for Heian-era supernatural lore. It is a great starting point to understand the spiritual landscape of Kyoto during the time Minamoto no Raiko walked the streets.
Sources & Further Reading
For those wishing to delve deeper into the historical and literary roots of the Tsuchigumo, the following texts are essential:
- Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): For the historical usage of the term regarding indigenous tribes.
- The Tale of the Heike (Heike Monogatari): Contains variations of the monster slaying tales involving Minamoto no Raiko.
- Otogizoshi: A collection of medieval short stories that fleshed out many yokai legends, including the Earth Spider.
The Tsuchigumo represents the shadow side of Japan’s history—a blend of conquered peoples and fearsome beasts. Tracking down this legend offers a travel experience that is equal parts educational and spine-tingling.