Story Summary
Discover the haunting Japanese legend of The Yuki-onna's Promise. A young woodcutter's life is spared by a snow spirit, provided he keeps a chilling secret.
During a fierce winter storm, two woodcutters, old Mosaku and young Minokichi, took refuge in a small hut. In the middle of the night, Minokichi awoke to see a beautiful woman in white robes leaning over Mosaku, her breath like a freezing mist. Mosaku died instantly. She turned to Minokichi, but spared him because of his youth and beauty. 'You must never speak of this night,' she warned. 'If you tell anyone, I will know, and I will kill you.' Years later, Minokichi met and married a beautiful woman named O-Yuki. They lived happily with many children. One evening, watching the snow, Minokichi was reminded of that night and told O-Yuki about the snow woman. Suddenly, O-Yuki's face turned pale and cold. 'That woman was me,' she hissed. 'I promised to kill you if you spoke, but for the sake of our children, I will spare you. But I can stay no longer.' She melted into a white mist and vanished forever.
The Moral
True integrity is measured by the ability to keep a promise, even when the passage of time makes the secret feel heavy.
“If you ever tell anyone, even your own mother, I shall know, and I will kill you.”
Fun Fact
Lafcadio Hearn, who popularized this story in the West, claimed he was told the tale by a farmer in Musashi Province who insisted it was a local event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Yuki-onna's Promise?
The story emphasizes the weight of a vow and the consequences of breaking trust. It teaches that some secrets must be kept to protect the life one has built.
Who is the Yuki-onna in Japanese folklore?
Yuki-onna, or the 'Snow Woman,' is a yōkai or spirit associated with winter storms. She is often depicted as a beautiful, pale woman who leads travelers astray or freezes them to death.
Why did the Yuki-onna spare Minokichi's life?
She spared him because he was young and handsome, which moved her to pity. However, this mercy was conditional on his absolute silence regarding their encounter.
What happens when Minokichi breaks his promise?
When Minokichi confesses the secret to his wife, she reveals that she is the snow woman. She chooses to spare his life for their children's sake but vanishes instantly, leaving him alone.
Where does the story of Yuki-onna originate?
While the legend exists in various regional versions across Japan, the most famous written version was recorded by Lafcadio Hearn in his 1904 book 'Kwaidan.'
Is Yuki-onna considered a villain or a tragic figure?
She is often seen as both; while she is a deadly spirit of nature, her ability to love and her choice to spare Minokichi twice suggest a complex, tragic nature.
