The Vengeful Transformation: Raigo's Descent into Darkness
- Re.JapBook
- Feb 5
- 1 min read
From Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's "New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts" Series
The Sacred Promise
This haunting print depicts the tragic tale of Raigō, a powerful Buddhist priest of Mii-dera Temple during the late Heian period. In 1074, he successfully prayed for Emperor Shirakawa's wish for a son, with the understanding that his reward would be granted.
The Broken Vow
When Prince Atsufumi was born, Raigō requested permission to establish an ordination platform at Mii-dera. However, interference from rival Enryaku-ji Temple prevented the emperor from fulfilling his promise, leading to Raigō's deep resentment.
The Dark Transformation
Consumed by betrayal, Raigō undertook a hundred-day fast, transforming into a demonic figure before his death. His curse manifested as a mysterious white-haired monk appearing at young Prince Atsufumi's bedside, leading to the four-year-old prince's death.
The Iron Rat
Yoshitoshi captures the moment of Raigō's supernatural transformation into the Iron Rat, a massive rodent that would later terrorize Enryaku-ji Temple by destroying their sacred texts. The print shows Raigō mid-transformation, surrounded by rats and torn sutras, his human form merging with his rodent manifestation.
The Final Appeasement
The haunting only ended when the terrified monks of Enryaku-ji built a shrine to appease Raigō's spirit, enshrining him as a deity. The print's deteriorating edges mirror the destruction wrought by Raigō's vengeful transformation.
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