Kidōmaru
Oni who ambushed Minamoto no Yorimitsu from inside a cow.
Kidōmaru (鬼童丸, 鬼同丸) is an oni that appears in the 14th-century war chronicle the Taiheiki, among other sources. He is primarily known for his encounter with the legendary warrior Minamoto no Yorimitsu, who had previously slain the famous oni Shuten-dōji. The story of Kidōmaru involves deception, vengeance, and a final confrontation that highlights Yorimitsu's cunning and martial prowess.
- field
- Japanese folklore, oni
- known_for
- Encounter with Minamoto no Yorimitsu; hiding inside a cow to ambush him
- nationality
- Japanese (mythological)
Lore & Background
As described in the Taiheiki, Minamoto no Yorimitsu is known for the slaying of Shuten-dōji. When he went to the home of his brother Minamoto no Yorinobu, Kidōmaru was caught at the toilet. Yorimitsu said that Yorinobu was careless, so they should restrain the oni with chains, and stayed at Yorinobu's house for that night. Kidōmaru easily tore off those chains, and with a grudge against Yorimitsu, looked at his bed and kept watch. Yorimitsu noticed this and told a servant, 'tomorrow, I will make a visit to the Kurama temple.' Kidōmaru then went ahead to Kurama, killed one free-ranging cattle at the Ichihara field, hid inside its body, and waited for Yorimitsu to come. However, Yorimitsu saw through this, and Watanabe no Tsuna upon receiving command from Yorimitsu shot through the cattle with a bow and arrow. It is said that Kidōmaru appeared from inside the cow and tried to slash at Yorimitsu, but Yorimitsu struck down Kidōmaru with a single strike.
Reader's Guide
Kidōmaru's significance lies in his role as a secondary oni antagonist in the broader cycle of tales surrounding Minamoto no Yorimitsu and his retainers, the Shitennō. The story, preserved in the Kokon Chomonjū, illustrates themes of deception and counter-deception, with Kidōmaru's attempt at ambush being foiled by Yorimitsu's foresight. Later traditions, such as oral legends from Kumohara in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto Prefecture, and the war tale Zentaiheiki, expand his backstory, linking him as a child of Shuten-dōji or as an abandoned child from Mount Hiei who turned to banditry. These variant accounts show how folklore can generate multiple origins for a single figure. The tale also inspired visual art, including Toriyama Sekien's yōkai picture collection Konjaku Hyakki Shūi, which depicts Kidōmaru in the snow wearing the skin of a cow, and ukiyo-e by Utagawa Kuniyoshi and Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. Kidōmaru thus represents a persistent figure in Japanese monster lore, bridging the worlds of classical setsuwa and later popular culture.
Did You Know?
- Kidōmaru was caught at the toilet at the home of Minamoto no Yorinobu.
- He tore off the chains used to restrain him and kept watch over Yorimitsu's bed.
- He hid inside a cow he killed at Ichihara field to ambush Yorimitsu.
- According to oral traditions in Kumohara, Kidōmaru was the child of Shuten-dōji and a mentally disordered captive girl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kidōmaru?
Kidōmaru is a legendary oni from Japanese folklore, best known for his deadly encounter with the warrior Minamoto no Yorimitsu. He appears in the 14th-century war chronicle Taiheiki as well as other traditional sources.
How does Kidōmaru ambush Yorimitsu?
In the tale, Kidōmaru conceals himself inside a cow to launch a surprise attack on Yorimitsu. This deceptive method of striking from within an animal is the oni's signature tactic in the story.
What is the connection between Kidōmaru and Shuten-dōji?
Kidōmaru's story is set against the backdrop of Yorimitsu's earlier victory over the famous oni Shuten-dōji. The narrative frames Kidōmaru's confrontation with Yorimitsu as part of a broader cycle of oni-versus-warrior encounters.
What does Kidōmaru's story say about Yorimitsu?
The tale highlights Yorimitsu's sharp cunning and exceptional martial skill in outwitting and defeating the oni. His ability to see through the deception and prevail makes him the hero of the confrontation.
In which texts does Kidōmaru appear?
Kidōmaru is featured in the Taiheiki, a 14th-century Japanese war chronicle, and in other traditional literary sources. He is classified within the broader category of Japanese mythological oni.
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