Yuki onna facts for kids
The Yuki Onna is a famous spirit from Japanese mythology. Her name means 'Snow Woman' in Japanese. She is a type of frost spirit, also known as a yōkai. People often describe her as a beautiful woman. She wears a white robe and has long, dark hair. In some old stories, the Yuki Onna is kind. She helps people lost in the mountains. But in other tales, she can be dangerous. She might freeze people with her icy breath.
Contents
What is the Yuki Onna Called?
The Yuki Onna has many different names. These names often change depending on the region in Japan. Some common names include:
- Yuki-musume (snow daughter)
- Yuki-onago (snow girl)
- Yukijorō (snow woman)
- Yuki anesa (snow sister)
- Yuki-onba (snow granny or nanny)
- Yukinba (snow hag) in Ehime Prefecture
- Yukifuri-baba (snowfall hag) in Nagano Prefecture
She also has names related to icicles. These names come from the Japanese word for icicle, tsurara. Examples are tsurara-onna, kanekori-musume, and shigama-nyōbō.
Stories of the Snow Woman
The Yuki Onna appears in many Japanese folk tales. Her personality can be very different in these stories. Sometimes, she is a helpful spirit. She might guide lost travelers to safety. Other times, she is a scary figure. She might lead people astray in snowstorms.
Her Appearance and Powers
The Yuki Onna is usually described as tall and beautiful. Her skin is often pale, like snow. She has long, dark hair and piercing eyes. She can float over the snow without leaving footprints. She can also turn into a mist or a cloud of snow. Her breath is icy cold. It can freeze people to death. Some stories say she steals the souls of her victims.
Famous Tales
One well-known story is about a young woodcutter named Minokichi. He and his master were caught in a snowstorm. The Yuki Onna appeared and froze his master. She spared Minokichi's life. But she made him promise never to tell anyone what he saw. Years later, Minokichi married a beautiful woman named Oyuki. They had many children. One snowy night, Minokichi told Oyuki about the Yuki Onna. Oyuki then revealed she was the Yuki Onna. She was angry he broke his promise. But she couldn't bring herself to harm him or their children. She then vanished into the snow.
Images for kids
-
Yuki-onna (ゆき女) from the Hyakkai-Zukan by Sawaki Suushi
-
Yuki-onna illustration from Sogi Shokoku Monogatari
See also
In Spanish: Yuki-onna para niños
