Shuten-dōji
Shuten-dōji
Shuten-dōji, the Oni King in Ōeyama Ekotoba
Half-Human BeingsA medieval cycle of Shuten-dōji tales, set in the reign of Emperor Ichijō. Its principal Ōeyama and Mount Ibuki traditions were later joined by local traditions around Kokujōji in Echigo and Oinosaka.
This portrait draws on the chieftain who leads his oni followers from Ōeyama. He descends into inhabited places in the guise of a monk or young warrior, exploiting indulgence in drink, sexual desire, and human weakness. At banquets he observes a host’s courtesies, though he is a violent oni who abducts people. In the slaying tale, his enemies turn an oath made before the deities against him and weaken him with poisoned sake. His willingness to admit guests in yamabushi dress proves fatal.