also: やまんば
mountain witch; yamauba
A mythical old woman or witch living in the mountains, often appearing in Japanese folklore.
Yamauba often appear in old tales.
Yamauba are said to be demon women living deep in the mountains.
Standard kanji spelling; the reading やまうば is the most common.
Alternate reading; also widely used.
Compound of 山 (yama, 'mountain') and 姥 (uba, 'old woman'). The reading やまんば is a euphonic change from やまうば.