Tsuchigumo (土蜘蛛), also known as “Earth Spiders,” are mythical creatures from Japanese folklore, often portrayed as giant spiders or yōkai (supernatural beings). These creatures are linked to both the physical and supernatural realms and have a rich history in Japanese legends and literature. The term “Tsuchigumo” was originally used to refer to indigenous groups in Japan but eventually became synonymous with the supernatural spider beings found in various stories.

Origins and Etymology

1. Historical Usage:
   • Historically, the term Tsuchigumo referred to certain indigenous tribes or outcasts who lived in remote areas of Japan. These groups often resisted the central government’s control during ancient times. As a result, they were demonized and referred to as “earth spiders” or “Tsuchigumo,” emphasizing their perceived connection to the earth and the underground.
2. Evolution into Yōkai:
   • Over time, the term Tsuchigumo evolved from being a label for these indigenous people to referring to a giant, monstrous spider or demon that lived underground and terrorized people. This shift in meaning aligned with the development of yōkai stories, where Tsuchigumo became a formidable and supernatural being in Japanese myth.

Appearance

1. Giant Spider Form:
   • In most stories, Tsuchigumo are described as enormous spiders, capable of weaving massive webs to trap their victims. These webs are often said to be strong enough to capture warriors and even the strongest of opponents.
2. Human and Spider Hybrid:
   • In some depictions, Tsuchigumo have a humanoid form mixed with spider characteristics. They might appear as a large human-like figure with the lower body of a spider or possess some other monstrous hybrid form that combines human and spider traits.
3. Shape-shifting Abilities:
   • Tsuchigumo are also known for their ability to shape-shift. They can disguise themselves as humans to deceive people or lure them into their traps. This ability makes them particularly dangerous, as they can blend into human society until they reveal their true form.

Role in Japanese Folklore

1. Enemy of Heroes:
   • Tsuchigumo are often depicted as villainous monsters that heroes must defeat. One of the most famous stories featuring a Tsuchigumo comes from the Heian period (794-1185) and involves the legendary warrior Minamoto no Raikō (Yorimitsu).
   • In this tale, Raikō falls ill and is visited by a mysterious monk who gives him medicine. Raikō becomes suspicious and, realizing that the monk is actually a Tsuchigumo in disguise, attacks it with his sword. The Tsuchigumo retreats, and Raikō, with the help of his warriors, tracks it to its lair and kills it. Inside the lair, they discover hundreds of trapped victims in spider webs, emphasizing the Tsuchigumo’s predatory nature.
2. Connection to the Earth:
   • Tsuchigumo are often associated with the earth and underground regions. In some tales, they are said to live in mountains or caves, symbolizing their connection to the natural world and the dangers that lie beneath the surface. Their connection to the earth further reinforces the idea that they are ancient, primal beings tied to the land.
3. Ambush Predators:
   • Like actual spiders, Tsuchigumo are portrayed as ambush predators, lying in wait for unsuspecting victims to wander into their webs. This reflects both their physical danger and their metaphorical role as hidden threats lurking beneath the surface of society.

Symbolism

1. Conquered Peoples:
   • In historical contexts, the Tsuchigumo can be seen as a representation of conquered or marginalized peoples. Just as the original “Tsuchigumo” tribes resisted centralized control, the spider-like Tsuchigumo in folklore resist the heroes and rulers of Japan, often hiding in remote areas and plotting against civilization.
2. Fear of the Unknown:
   • As giant spiders that lurk in the shadows, Tsuchigumo embody the fear of the unknown and the dangerous hidden aspects of the world. In ancient Japan, this fear would have been associated with unexplored forests, mountains, and caves—places where both human and supernatural threats could be found.
3. Betrayal and Deception:
   • The shape-shifting abilities of Tsuchigumo also make them symbols of betrayal and deception. They can appear as something benign or friendly, only to reveal their true nature when it is too late. This ability to deceive speaks to the broader theme in Japanese folklore of not trusting appearances.

Famous Legends

1. Minamoto no Raikō and the Tsuchigumo:
   • As mentioned earlier, the most famous legend involving a Tsuchigumo is the story of Minamoto no Raikō’s encounter with the spider demon. This tale has been told in various forms, from noh plays to woodblock prints, and it is one of the most popular depictions of Tsuchigumo in Japanese culture.
   • Raikō’s battle with the Tsuchigumo highlights the creature’s power and cunning, but it also showcases the valor and strength of Raikō as a legendary hero.
2. Tsuchigumo’s Defeat by Yamato Takeru:
   • In another version of the story, the hero Yamato Takeru, a legendary prince of the Yamato dynasty, encounters and defeats a Tsuchigumo during his travels. The tale reinforces the idea of the Tsuchigumo as an ancient enemy of the centralized Japanese state and its heroes.

Modern Influence and Cultural Legacy

1. Appearances in Popular Culture:
   • Tsuchigumo continue to appear in modern Japanese pop culture, including anime, manga, and video games. They are often depicted as giant spider monsters or shape-shifting villains, playing into their traditional roles as deceptive and dangerous beings.
2. Art and Literature:
   • The story of Minamoto no Raikō’s battle with the Tsuchigumo has been the subject of Japanese art for centuries, including woodblock prints (ukiyo-e) and noh theater. The image of the giant spider has become a popular motif in both traditional and modern Japanese art.
3. Video Games:
   • Tsuchigumo have been featured in various video games, often as enemies or bosses in fantasy settings. Their ability to shape-shift and their connection to ancient Japanese mythology make them ideal adversaries in games that draw on folklore.

Conclusion

The Tsuchigumo is a captivating figure in Japanese folklore, symbolizing both the fear of the unknown and the resistance of marginalized groups. As giant spider demons with shape-shifting abilities, they are powerful adversaries in the stories of legendary heroes like Minamoto no Raikō. Their presence in Japanese art, literature, and modern pop culture ensures that the legend of Tsuchigumo continues to fascinate and frighten audiences today. Whether as symbols of betrayal or embodiments of ancient primal forces, Tsuchigumo represent the dark and mysterious aspects of both the natural world and human society.

Tsuchigumo is a spider-like race of Yōkai in Japanese folklore. The name Tsuchigumo (土蜘蛛) literally translates to “dirt/earth spider”.

The Tsuchigumo  is described as a huge spider with a very distinct face. This can vary from being human like to being more Oni like in different interpretations.

In The Tale of the Heike there is a passage known as the Sword Scroll or “tsurugi no maki” which tells the tale of the conflict between Yorimitsu and the Tsuchigumo. In this tale Yorimitsu uses the sword Hizamaru to defeat a yaragumo or “mountain spider” and renaming the sword to “Kumogiri” meaning “Spider Cutter”.