Original Publication Date: July 1891 (Meiji 24)
This Printing: July 1955 (Shōwa 30), 17th Reprint
Binding: 2-hole musubi-toji binding with red silk
Call Number: Special Collections (General Locked Shelving): By Appointment Only; PZ8.J272
Cataloger: Anika James
Author/Translator: Mrs. T. H. [Kate] James
Printer: N/A
The warrior Raiko of Kyoto had orders from the Mikado to punish the ogres that lived in Oyeyama, and to free the captives they had taken. Tsuna, one of Raiko's followers, had once fought with the chief ogre Shutendoji at Rashomon gate, but had not been able to defeat him. This fight gave the ogres more confidence, and they terrorized the entire city with pleasure. The warriors were eager for revenge, and they set off for Shutendoji's castle which lay atop Ogres' Hill. Their journey was treacherous, and they were nearly lost when they came across a noble old man. Raiko respectfully asked for directions, showed him the Mikado's order, and the old man told him how to beat Shutendoji. They were to dine with the ogres and wait until Shutendoji was drunk before they launched an attack. The old man gifted them a magic helmet and sword, as well as a drinking flagon with two mouths and a hidden divider in the middle. Finally, the old man disgused them in Yamabushi (mountain hermits) clothing, concealing their armor and weapons. They all set out and marched on the rest of the day, thinking fondly of the old man as they went. As they grew close, they encountered a maiden at the river, washing blood from clothes. She told them that the ogres were holding her captive, and they should go, but they assured her they would win. Continuing on, they then met Shutendoji's chef, who was carrying human body parts for supper. Raiko hid his disgust and politely asked for refuge at the castle, saying they were poor lost priests. The chef agreed and brought them to Shutendoji, thinking they would would be good to eat. However, Shutendoji got along well with them, and offered to share supper with them. At supper, Raiko waited until Shutendoji had drunk plenty of wine, danced for him, and offered a drink from his special flagon. Raiko snuck the sleeping powder into Shutendoji's side, and he quickly fell asleep. The warriors then sprang to action, and Raiko beheaded Shutendoji with the magic sword. Shutendoji's head spun through the air, flew towards Raiko's head, but could not pierce the magic helmet. It fell to the ground, and the warriors were victorious. They freed the captives, divided the riches amongst themselves, and set fire to the castle. Before they left the mountain, they carefully buried the bones of Shutendoji's victims, marking the spot with a stone. Raiko was rewarded by the Mikado, and the citizens of Kyoto were forever grateful.
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