Name Meaning
Yama-uba (山姥) literally means “mountain crone” or “mountain witch.” She is a fearsome yokai said to live deep in the forests and mountains.
- Yama (山) = mountain
- Uba (姥) = old woman
Origin
- Her legends span across many regions of Japan, especially mountainous areas.
- Some stories depict her as a cannibalistic witch who lures and eats travelers.
- In some tales, she helps heroes or abandoned children.
Appearance
- Often shown as an old woman with wild, unkempt hair and a fearsome smile.
- Wears tattered clothing and may carry a basket or staff.
- Sometimes has supernatural traits, such as floating or shape-shifting.
Behavior & Myths
- Can be cruel or kind, depending on the story.
- Feeds on human flesh, especially of lost or abandoned people.
- Also acts as a helper in kabuki and fairy tales, like aiding the hero Kintarō.
Symbolism
- Represents the dangers and mysteries of remote wilderness.
- May symbolize female power and fear of aging or isolation.
- Her dual nature reflects the unpredictability of nature itself.
