Otakemaru (大嶽丸) is one of the main antagonists of Japanese mythology.
A powerful and fearsome yokai (supernatural entity), he's often regarded as one of the greatest oni (demons) in Japanese folklore. His story originates from the tales of Mount Suzuka in Mie Prefecture, and his legend is intertwined with the Suzuka Pass, a historically significant site known for being a dangerous route plagued by bandits and spirits.
He is regarded as one of Japan's Three Great Evil Yokai, along with Shuten-dōji and Tamamo-no-Mae. However, in some versions of the list, Ootakemaru is replaced by Sutoku-tenno.
Biography[]
Background[]
Otakemaru is described as an immensely strong and malevolent oni who ruled over Mount Suzuka. He is believed to have wielded magical powers and possessed great martial skill, making him nearly invincible. His stature was immense, and he was feared not only for his physical prowess but also for his ability to control storms and use dark magic.
He lived during Emperor Kanmu's reign (781-806) and was a major adversary of the shogun Sakanoue no Tamuramaro. Ootakemaru is primarily associated with the tale of Sakanoue no Tamuramaro's campaign to exterminate oni.
Tamura's Tale[]
During Emperor Kanmu's reign, a demon named Otakemaru appeared on Mount Suzuka in Ise Province, terrorizing travelers through Suzuka Pass and stealing tributes meant for the capital. The emperor tasked Sakanoue no Tamuramaru with defeating Otakemaru. Tamuramaru led an army of 30,000 soldiers to Mount Suzuka, but Otakemaru, skilled in flight, hid among the dark clouds, summoning storms, thunder, and fire, which hindered Tamuramaru's efforts for years.
At the same time, Mount Suzuka was home to a heavenly maiden named Suzuka Gozen. Otakemaru became obsessed with her beauty, frequently transforming into a handsome boy or nobleman to visit her, but she, possessing supernatural powers, always saw through his deceptions and never reciprocated his affections.
Frustrated in his search for Otakemaru, Tamuramaru prayed to the gods. That night, an old man appeared in his dream, advising him to seek Suzuka Gozen’s help. Dismissing his army, Tamuramaru ventured alone into Mount Suzuka, where Suzuka Gozen, appearing as a beautiful 16-year-old woman, welcomed him. She revealed her divine origin and promised to assist him in defeating Otakemaru, explaining that the demon could not be defeated while he possessed the sword of Sanmei.
That night, Otakemaru, again disguised, visited Suzuka Gozen, who for the first time responded. She requested the sword of Sanmei as protection from Tamuramaru, and Otakemaru gave her two swords, Otsutsuren and Kotsutsuren. The next night, Tamuramaru confronted Otakemaru, who revealed his true form—a ten-foot-tall demon god—and attacked with ice-like weapons. However, with the aid of the Thousand-Armed Kannon and Bishamonten, Tamuramaru’s divine arrows defeated Otakemaru, ultimately beheading him with the sword Sohayanotsurugi. Otakemaru’s severed head was taken to the capital, and Tamuramaru, rewarded with Iga Province, lived there with Suzuka Gozen, with whom he had a daughter named Korin.
Though Otakemaru and his ally Takamaru were defeated, the demon later resurrected in Mutsu Province, causing more chaos. Tamuramaru, armed with divine support and aided by the Otsutsuki, Kotsutsuki, and Kenmei clans, once again confronted Otakemaru. Despite Otakemaru's efforts to crush him with boulders, Tamuramaru decapitated the demon a second time with the sword Sohayanotsurugi. Otakemaru’s head bit into Tamuramaru’s helmet, but he survived by wearing two helmets. Otakemaru’s head was ultimately stored in the Treasure House in Uji, and the remaining demons were executed.
Characteristics[]
- Appearance: Otakemaru is depicted as a gigantic oni with immense physical strength. He is often portrayed with horns, red skin, and fearsome, fiery eyes.
- Powers: His abilities include controlling storms, wielding dark magic, and overwhelming strength. He could summon typhoons and lightning to strike down his enemies.
- Personality: He is typically characterized as vengeful, arrogant, and bloodthirsty, showing no mercy to humans or gods who stood in his way.
Legacy[]
Legacy and Worship[]
Despite his malevolent nature, Otakemaru is still remembered and respected in certain regions of Japan. Some believe that his spirit continues to reside in Mount Suzuka, and there are shrines dedicated to appeasing him and preventing his wrath from being unleashed once more. His story is a cautionary tale about the power of nature and the dangerous forces that can arise from the supernatural realm.
In modern depictions, Otakemaru sometimes appears in literature, theater, and popular media as a symbol of untamed power and rebellion against the divine order.
Popular Culture[]
Otakemaru's legacy has inspired various adaptations in modern media, including appearances in video games, anime, and literature. His portrayal as an almost indomitable force, both feared and respected, makes him a recurring figure in discussions of oni and supernatural beings within Japanese folklore.
- In Onmyōji, Ootakemaru appears as an NPC and boss.
- In Nioh 2, Ootakemaru serves as the main antagonist in both the main game and its DLC.
- In Fate/Extra: FoxTail manga, he is mentioned in Suzuka Gozen's backstory.
Gallery[]
