The Legend of Kiyohime: Love, Betrayal, and the Dragon
Japanese folklore is replete with tales of spirits, demons, and shapeshifters, collectively known as yokai. However, few stories capture the terrifying power of human emotion quite like the legend of Kiyohime. It is a tragic narrative of unrequited love, broken promises, and a rage so consuming that it physically transformed a woman into a fire-breathing serpent.
For cultural travelers visiting Japan, understanding the story of Kiyohime adds a layer of profound depth to the spiritual sites of Wakayama Prefecture. Join us as we unravel one of Japan’s most famous “vengeful spirit” tales.
Origins of the Folktale
The story of Kiyohime is intimately tied to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route and the ancient Dojoji Temple. While elements of the story vary depending on the telling, the core narrative dates back to the Heian period (794–1185).
The earliest and most famous written version appears in the Konjaku Monogatarishu (Anthology of Tales from the Past), a collection of stories compiled in the late Heian period. Unlike the god-origin stories found in the Kojiki, this tale focuses on the interactions between Buddhist monks and the common people, highlighting the moral complexities of desire and attachment in Buddhist doctrine.
The Legend of Anchin and Kiyohime
The story begins with Anchin, a handsome young monk traveling on a pilgrimage to Kumano. On his way, he sought lodging at the home of a wealthy man in the village of Manago. The man’s daughter, Kiyohime, was instantly captivated by the monk’s beauty.
Depending on the version of the legend, Anchin either jokingly promised to marry her upon his return or was simply overwhelmed by her advances and lied to escape the situation. He promised he would return to her after completing his pilgrimage. Elated, Kiyohime waited patiently.
However, upon his return journey, Anchin—fearing the disruption of his monastic vows—bypassed her home entirely. When Kiyohime realized she had been deceived, her sorrow instantly curdled into a blinding rage. She began to chase him, running barefoot until her feet bled.
Anchin fled toward the Hidaka River and paid a boatman to take him across, ordering him not to let Kiyohime follow. When Kiyohime arrived at the riverbank, she found no boat. Driven by pure fury, she dove into the rushing waters. As she swam, her rage transformed her body. Her face twisted, scales erupted from her skin, and by the time she reached the opposite bank, she was no longer a woman, but a massive, fire-breathing serpent-dragon.
Terrified, Anchin ran to Dojoji Temple and begged the monks for help. Having nowhere to hide him, they lowered the massive bronze temple bell and hid Anchin underneath it.
The serpent-Kiyohime arrived at the temple, sniffing the air. She located the bell immediately. In her fury, she coiled her massive serpentine body around the bronze bell. She breathed fire onto it, beating her tail against the metal. The heat became so intense that the bronze glowed white-hot and eventually melted. Anchin was incinerated inside, a victim of the fiery passion he had ignited and then spurned. With her vengeance exacted, the serpent threw herself into the river and drowned.
Modern Culture and Performing Arts
The legend of Kiyohime has transcended folklore to become a cornerstone of Japanese performing arts. It is the subject of famous plays in both Noh and Kabuki theater.
- Noh Theater: The play Dojoji is considered one of the most difficult and prestigious roles for a Noh performer. It features a shirabyoshi dancer who transforms into a demon on stage.
- Kabuki: Musume Dojoji (The Maiden at Dojoji Temple) is a classic Kabuki dance drama derived from the Noh version, famous for its quick costume changes and dramatic intensity.
In modern pop culture, Kiyohime appears frequently in anime and video games (such as the Fate/Grand Order series) often depicted as the archetype of the “yandere”—a character whose romantic obsession turns violent.
Traveler’s Tips: Visiting the Site of the Legend
If you want to walk in the footsteps of this legend, a trip to Dojoji Temple in Wakayama Prefecture is essential. It is the oldest temple in Wakayama and holds a unique atmosphere.
- E-toki Preaching: The temple is famous for E-toki (picture storytelling). The monks at Dojoji possess beautiful picture scrolls (Dojoji Engi Emaki) depicting the story of Anchin and Kiyohime. They perform lively, narrated recountings of the tragedy for visitors. It is a rare chance to hear folklore told by the spiritual successors of the story’s characters.
- Local Sweets: Look for Anchin-Kiyohime themed sweets sold near the temple. A popular souvenir is the tsurigane manju, a bun shaped like the tragic temple bell.
- The Bell: While the original bell was destroyed in the legend (and historically damaged), the site remains a powerful place to reflect on the destructive power of obsession.
Sources & Further Reading
For those wishing to delve deeper into the classical texts that preserve these legends, the following historical compilations are recommended:
- Konjaku Monogatarishu (Anthology of Tales from the Past): Contains the primary version of the Anchin and Kiyohime narrative (Tale 3 in Book 14).
- Dojoji Engi Emaki: The illustrated handscrolls kept at Dojoji Temple which serve as the primary visual source for the legend.
- Ugetsu Monogatari (Tales of Moonlight and Rain): While it features different stories, this Ueda Akinari classic captures the eerie atmosphere of Japanese supernatural folklore relevant to the era.