Shuten-dōji; mythical oni leader
A famous oni (demon) from Japanese folklore, said to have lived on Mt. Ōe and terrorized Kyoto until defeated by Minamoto no Yorimitsu.
Shuten-dōji is known as the leader of the oni who lived on Mt. Ōe.
There is a legend that Minamoto no Yorimitsu vanquished Shuten-dōji.
Most common kanji spelling for this legendary figure.
Alternate kanji spelling, less common.
Alternate kanji spelling, less common.
Alternate kanji spelling, less common.
The name 酒呑童子 (Shuten-dōji) literally means 'sake-drinking boy' or 'sake-drinking youth,' reflecting the legend that he was a heavy drinker. The exact historical origin is uncertain; it is a proper name from Japanese folklore.