Yamauba (山姥, 山うば, or 山女郎), yamamba, and yamanba are variations on the name of a yōkai [1] found in Japanese folklore. Mostly said to resemble women, yamauba may be depicted as predatory monsters or benevolent beings.

Late at night when their guests are fast asleep, yamauba transform into their true shape—an ugly, old, demonic witch. Thus revealed, they try to catch and eat their guests, often using powerful magic. Stories of encounters with yamauba have been spread by those few travelers lucky enough to escape.

Feb 8, 2022 · The yamamba’s innate power, her isolation, and her refusal to be contained have made her popular with modern and contemporary women artists in Japan.

Oct 19, 2024 · Known as the Mountain Witch, Yama-uba is a character rich in lore and significance, often serving as a symbol of both benevolence and malevolence in various narratives. This article explores the origins, characteristics, roles, and cultural representations of Yama-uba, shedding light on her enduring impact on Japanese folklore and culture. II.

Sep 23, 2021 · Our introduction, “Locating the Yamamba” by Noriko T. Reider, defines the yamamba and highlights her fundamental ambiguity (“One half of the yamamba’s genealogy goes back to goddesses, and the other half to oni.” Oni are analogous to demons, can change gender and form, and sometimes attack humans). Once equipped to understand what ...

Sep 24, 2021 · Yama Uba (山姥) is a yokai with the appearance of an old woman in a kimono, living in the forests of the mountains in Japan. This hideous witch, from local folklore and mythology, likes to trick lost travelers and devour them. Discover the terrifying legend of Yama Uba, and above all, beware of her evil spirit. 😬.

Yamamba (山むば) is a Japanese yōkai also known as yamauba (山うば), onibaba (鬼婆), yama-onna (山女), yama-hime (山姫), and kijo (鬼女). Yamamba are female yōkai that live alone in mountain huts.

The Yamamba – the mountain witch, crone, or hag, part of the widely recognised “old woman in the woods” folklore – can be traced back to the Muromachi period (1336-1573), a time of rapid population growth when merchants and villagers began to …

Dec 10, 2011 · Yamamba is a Japanese ghost who makes frequent appearances in Japanese art, literature, folklore and pop culture. She's an old, unkept, mountain hag who eats children — it's not exactly a compliment.

Oct 8, 2024 · In the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore, Yama-uba, often referred to as the Mountain Witch, holds a significant place. She is a complex figure that embodies both the mystical and the mundane aspects of life in rural Japan. Yama-uba is often depicted as an old woman living in the mountains, a hermit who possesses magical powers.