Dragons of Fame

Yofune-Nushi

Type/Species: Eastern Dragon
Origin: Japanese Mythology

History: Yofune-Nushi was lived under a island called Oki Island, where his cave was located. He forced the local village to sacrifice a young, beautiful maiden to him every year on June thirteenth. If they did not, he threatened to destroy their entire fleet of fishing ships with one of his storms. The fishing fleet was their main source of life, and henceforth they could not deny the dragon his meal.

A girl named Tokoyo came forward one year to offer herself to the dragon. All the people willingly brought her to the island and allowed her to wait for the dragon. When Yofune-Nushi appeared, however, she did not coward back like the others. Instead, she pulled a knife and shashed his eyes, blinding him. After this was done, he reared back in pain, reveling his venurable neck. This was the end of Yofune-Nushi.

In another version, she dived into the water and attacked the dragon in the same manner. However, in this verson she recieved a sacred stone statue (of the Emperor) that had been cast into the water. It was said that the Emperor had been acting strangely because his statue was cursed and thrown into the water.

Due to the fact that she had saved the Emperor, her father, who was banished at the time, was allowed to return home.¹

Symbolism: Unknown. It is interesting to note, however, that this dragon acted much like many Western-style dragons, which is very unlike Eastern Dragons.

1. Myths and Legends of Japan by F. Hadland Davis

For more information about footnotes and references, please see the bibliography.