Japanese heroic legend, Davis retelling
Hidesato
Davis's Hidesato crosses a bridge despite a serpent-dragon blocking the way. The creature becomes the Dragon King of Lake Biwa and asks him to defend its household from a centipede. Hidesato accepts the challenge and defeats the monster with his last arrow after his first two shots fail.
Also known as Tawara Toda · My Lord Bag of Rice
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In the sources
Courage recognised by the Dragon King
TraditionalHidesato steps over the sleeping serpent-dragon without hesitation. The Dragon King explains that it sought a fearless mortal to kill the centipede destroying its children and grandchildren.
The final arrow
TraditionalTwo arrows strike the monster without injuring it. The tale says that Hidesato puts his remaining arrow-head in his mouth, remembering the magical effect of human saliva, and the final shot kills the centipede.
Context & interpretation
This entry covers the legendary portrayal attached to Hidesato's name, not a verified biography or a claim that the supernatural episode happened. The Dragon King, enormous centipede and arrow's magical efficacy belong to Davis's account. The associated illustration depicts this episode within the book's heroic cycle.
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
Hidesato had only one arrow left.Open 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
Dragon King of Lake Biwa
The ruler beneath Lake Biwa who seeks Hidesato's protection against a centipede in Davis's tale.
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 traditionBenkei
The powerful warrior and companion of Yoshitsune portrayed in Davis's cycle of heroic legends.