In the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore, few tales have captured the imagination quite like the legend of Anchin and Kiyohime, a story that weaves themes of love, betrayal, and metamorphosis into a narrative that has endured for a thousand years. At the heart of this legend is the dramatic transformation of Kiyohime, a woman scorned, into a vengeful dragon—a symbol deeply rooted in both cultural and mythical significance.
Kiyohime, also known as Kiyo, is a prominent figure in Japanese folklore, particularly in the tale of Anchin and Kiyohime. According to the legend, she harbored deep affection for a Buddhist monk named Anchin.
However, when her romantic advances were spurned by Anchin, she pursued him relentlessly. Consumed by rage and heartbreak, she ultimately metamorphosed into a serpent and tragically ended Anchin’s life by engulfing him within a bell at the Dōjō-ji temple.
The tale is intertwined with the origins of the Dōjō-ji temple in Kii Province, now part of Wakayama Prefecture. It recounts the journey of a priest named Anchin from Shirakawa in Ōshū province, present-day Shirakawa, Fukushima, who was en route to the Kumano Shrine in southern Kii.
Seeking lodging, he stayed at the residence of a steward (shōji) of the Manago/Masago manor, where he encountered Kiyohime, the steward’s daughter, who promptly fell in love with him.
In an attempt to evade her affections, Anchin deceitfully promised to return and continued his pilgrimage. Enraged by his rejection, Kiyohime pursued him relentlessly. Near the banks of the Hidaka River, Anchin sought passage from a ferryman, instructing him not to allow Kiyohime aboard. Undeterred, Kiyohime leaped into the river and transformed into a serpent or dragon fueled by fury.
Spotting Anchin fleeing towards the Dōjō-ji temple, he sought refuge within, imploring the priests for sanctuary. Concealed beneath the temple’s bonshō bell, Anchin believed himself safe, but Kiyohime, sensing his presence, coiled around the bell, violently striking it with her tail and unleashing a powerful blast of fire that melted the bell and tragically ended Anchin’s life.
Relevant articles:
– Kiyohime was Japanese folklore about a girl who fell in love with Anchin, a monk, he rejected her.