Japanese heroic legend, Davis retelling
Dragon King of Lake Biwa
The Dragon King first appears as a serpent-dragon obstructing Hidesato's path. When the warrior crosses fearlessly, the creature takes a human form and asks him to save its family. The ruler entertains Hidesato in an underwater palace before the centipede's arrival interrupts the feast.
Also known as Lake Biwa's Dragon King · Dragon King in Hidesato's tale
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In the sources
A shape-changing ruler seeking help
TraditionalThe serpent-dragon becomes a red-haired man with a dragon-shaped crown. He explains that he sought a fearless mortal because a centipede is killing his children and grandchildren.
Hospitality beneath the lake
TraditionalThe palace offers Hidesato a feast while goldfish dance and carp play instruments. The Dragon King joins him on the balcony when the attacking centipede appears on Mount Mikami.
Context & interpretation
This entry is restricted to Davis's Hidesato story. The Dragon King of Lake Biwa is not automatically merged with the Sea God in Hoori's episode or every other dragon ruler. The shape-change and underwater court are elements of the legend; the associated centipede illustration depicts the encounter, not a verified animal or palace.
Original passages
Source 1
Myths and Legends of Japan
I am the Dragon King of Lake BiwaOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Chapter II, printed p. 62
Read directly from the active prepared scan; line breaks and spacing normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0052-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0052-E001-P0072
- Original scan leaf
- 86
- Recorded leaf number
- 86
- Current Reader position
- 71
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Source 2
Myths and Legends of Japan
ten little goldfish dancedOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Chapter II, printed p. 63
Read directly from the active prepared scan; line breaks and spacing normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0052-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0052-E001-P0074
- Original scan leaf
- 89
- Recorded leaf number
- 89
- Current Reader position
- 73
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Illustrations
Continue exploring
Hidesato
The warrior portrayed in Davis's legend as the Dragon King of Lake Biwa's champion against a giant centipede.
Shared source pageInexhaustible Rice Bag
The miraculous gift associated with Hidesato's title My Lord Bag of Rice in Davis's tale.
Shared source pageMomotaro, the Peach Boy
A child found inside a peach gathers three animal companions and journeys to free an island’s captives in Davis’s retelling.
Same subject and traditionGoblin of Oyeyama
The mountain goblin king defeated by Raiko and his companions in Davis's account.