A Battle with Buddhist Demons: The Warrior's Trial at Mount Inohana
- Re.JapBook
- Jan 23
- 1 min read
Updated: Jan 25
From Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's "New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts" Series
The Mountain's Challenge
In this dramatic print, Yoshitoshi depicts a legendary encounter at Mount Inohana in Kai Province. When warrior Gamō Sadahide established his camp near this notorious mountain, mysterious laughter echoed through the peaks and stones rained down upon his forces.
The Warrior's Trial
Toki Motosada, Gamō's bravest retainer, volunteered to investigate the mysterious Daizu Maō (Great-Headed Demon King), who was said to devour humans. Legend held that the demon had been sealed away in a cave by the Buddhist master Kūkai, but its malevolent presence still haunted the mountain.
The Supernatural Confrontation
Adorned in black armor with a white-handled naginata, Motosada encountered a series of supernatural challenges. First, he battled a moving Niō statue (temple guardian deity) standing six meters tall, which he dramatically threw and shattered. Then, he faced a false Amida Buddha whose broken form revealed countless human skeletons.
The Final Deception
After seemingly triumphing over these demonic manifestations, Motosada returned to camp to report his victory. However, a beautiful celestial maiden appeared, declaring that none who violated the mountain would leave alive. When Gamō struck at the apparition, it was revealed to be Motosada's corpse—the warrior had never truly returned from the mountain.
The Mountain's Victory
The tale concludes with the demon's triumphant laughter echoing through the peaks, accompanied by a furious storm of stones, forcing Gamō's army to retreat. Yoshitoshi captures the intensity of this supernatural encounter, where even the bravest warrior falls victim to otherworldly deception.
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