Japanese heroic legend, Davis retelling
Goblin of Oyeyama
Davis describes Shutendoji as a goblin king whose mountain stronghold holds people taken from Kyoto. Raiko and five companions set out in disguise to confront him. Magical drink and divine assistance overcome the goblins before Raiko strikes the king's severed head, which remains dangerous for a moment after the blow.
Also known as Shutendoji · Shuten-doji · Goblin King of Mount Oye
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In the sources
A goblin king and an expedition
TraditionalDavis names the king Shutendoji and describes the loss of Kimitaka's daughter. The emperor sends Raiko, who chooses five companions and proposes travelling disguised as mountain priests.
A head that rises after the sword-stroke
TraditionalThe magical drink puts the goblins to sleep, and three deities tell Raiko they have bound the demon. When he cuts off its head, it flies into the air and emits smoke and fire before a further blow brings it down.
Context & interpretation
This entry concerns Davis's particular Goblin of Oyeyama legend, not every version of Shutendoji or a verified event in the reign he names. Its drink, divine intervention and animated head are elements of the tale. Evelyn Paul's plate illustrates the confrontation rather than documenting a historical killing.
Original passages
Source 1
Myths and Legends of Japan
the Goblin King, Shutendoji.Open this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Chapter II, printed p. 45
Read directly from the active prepared scan; line breaks and spacing normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0052-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0052-E001-P0051
- Original scan leaf
- 61
- Recorded leaf number
- 61
- Current Reader position
- 50
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Source 2
Myths and Legends of Japan
No sooner was the head severed than it shot up into the airOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Chapter II, printed p. 47
Read directly from the active prepared scan; line breaks and spacing normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0052-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0052-E001-P0054
- Original scan leaf
- 65
- Recorded leaf number
- 65
- Current Reader position
- 53
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Illustrations
Continue exploring
Mount Oye
The forbidding mountain and iron palace that form the setting of Davis's Goblin of Oyeyama episode.
Same subject and traditionDragon King of Lake Biwa
The ruler beneath Lake Biwa who seeks Hidesato's protection against a centipede in Davis's tale.
Same subject and traditionGoblin Spider
The disguised visitor whose webs and hidden influence afflict Raiko in one of Davis's spider legends.
Same subject and traditionYorimasa's Monster
The composite nocturnal creature that haunts an emperor's palace and is defeated by Yorimasa in Davis's legend.