Name Meaning
Sōgenbi (叢原火) means “Fire of the Sōgen field,” referring to the area in Kyoto where the spirit is said to appear.
- Sōgen (叢原) = name of the field in Kyoto
- Bi (火) = fire
Origin
- Appears in the folklore of Kyoto’s Sōgen area.
- Said to be the ghost of a monk who stole oil from a temple lamp.
- The monk was cursed to wander as a flaming head as punishment.
Appearance
- Appears as a floating, fiery head engulfed in blue or red flames.
- Its face is tormented and sorrowful, occasionally crying out in pain.
- Visible mostly at night, near temple ruins or graveyards.
Behavior & Myths
- It drifts silently through the air, weeping and glowing.
- Sometimes chases travelers who cross its cursed field.
- Seen as a warning against sacrilege and theft from sacred places.
Symbolism
- Embodies punishment for religious transgression and greed.
- Represents the lingering pain of regret and spiritual unrest.
- A reminder to respect sacred traditions and offerings.
