Takiyasha Hime & the Gashadokuro: Japan's Frog-Riding Witch & Giant Skeleton (Ep. 186)
About this episode
This episode explores the legends of Takiyasha Hime and the Gashadokuro, delving into themes of sorcery and magic in Japanese folklore.
A vengeful princess rides a giant toad into battle while a monstrous skeleton tears through castle walls — and these two legends are connected in ways you might not expect. In this episode, I dig into the story of Takiyasha Hime, daughter of the infamous Taira no Masakado, and the terrifying Gashadokuro. How did a princess become a sorceress? What kind of magic involves frogs? And is that famous skeleton in Kuniyoshi's print really what everyone thinks it is? I even found the actual spell she used to summon the skeleton. Should I read it aloud? [Please Note: Some of the links are affiliate links (both Amazon and other). This means that at no cost to you, if you use and purchase through them I receive a small compensation. This is paid by the retailer. It also helps support me and my artistic endeavors. Thank you.] Follow Uncanny Japan Patreon Uncanny Japan Website Thersa Matsuura Website Books on Amazon YouTube Facebook Instagram Buy Me a Coffee (one-time contribution) Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Credits Music by Julyan Ray Matsuura About SpectreVision Radio SpectreVision Radio is a bespoke podcast network at the intersection between the arts and the uncanny…
Topics covered
- Takiyasha Hime
- Gashadokuro
- Japanese folklore
- sorcery
- magic
Keywords
- giant toad
- monstrous skeleton
- Taira no Masakado
- Kuniyoshi's print
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- Why the Year of the Fire Horse is Dreaded in Japan and Cursed Kimonos (Ep. 185)
- Osechi: Japanese New Year Food Traditions (Ep. 184)
- Japanese Moon Lore: Selfless Rabbits, Murdered Goddesses, and Tsukimi (Ep. 183)
- Hōichi the Earless: A Lafcadio Hearn Reading (Ep. 182)
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