Yōkai:Amanojaku (天邪鬼)
Their notorious reputation stems from their ability to exploit the darkest desires buried within the hearts of humans, inciting them to engage in impious deeds.
Amanojaku, the mischievous creature known as the “Heavenly Evil Spirit,” is often portrayed as a diminutive ogre. This enigmatic being possesses a unique ability to stir the depths of one’s innermost desires, coaxing them towards engaging in malevolent actions.
Amanojaku, the malevolent creatures steeped in Japanese folklore, have existed since ancient times, even predating written history. These wicked beings, known as evil kami, minor oni, or yōkai, revel in mischief and delight in carrying out nefarious acts. Their notorious reputation stems from their ability to exploit the darkest desires buried within the hearts of humans, inciting them to engage in impious deeds. Wherever they roam, they leave behind a trail of spiritual contamination.
While their origins remain shrouded in mystery, amanojaku are frequently depicted in Buddhist iconography as symbols of wickedness being triumphed over by righteousness. Notably, the Four Heavenly Kings are often portrayed standing atop demons, believed to be none other than the vanquished amanojaku. Even the divine figure Bishamonten adorns his armor with demonic visages, representing these malevolent spirits.
Amanojaku trace their roots back to ancient mythology, where they emerged from the depths of ancient Shinto legends. Echoes of their undermining nature can be found in tales of Amanozako, Amenosagume, and Amenowakahiko. It is widely speculated that amanojaku sprang forth from the essence of one or perhaps all of these mythological entities.
One of the most renowned narratives featuring amanojaku revolves around the story of Uriko hime. In this haunting tale, an elderly couple, longing for a child, discovered a baby girl inside a melon. They lovingly raised her as their own and bestowed upon her the name Uriko hime. As she blossomed into a beautiful young woman, a marriage proposal came her way. Excitedly, her parents embarked on a journey to procure her dowry and prepare for the joyous occasion. Before leaving, they cautioned Uriko hime never to open the door for anyone, regardless of the circumstances.
Shortly after their departure, a knock echoed at Uriko hime’s door. “Uriko hime, please grant me entry!” she heard. Adhering to her parents’ warning, she refused to unlock the door. Undeterred, the voice persisted, “If you won’t open the door, then at least crack the window slightly…”
Reluctantly, Uriko hime yielded and opened the window just a sliver. In that moment, a long, clawed finger wormed its way through the gap, forcefully prying the window open. It was an amanojaku! With a menacing leap, the creature attacked Uriko hime, mercilessly tearing at her garments. Though she fought valiantly, biting and kicking at the demon, her strength proved insufficient. The amanojaku snapped her neck, extinguishing her life.
Yet, the amanojaku’s cruelty did not end there. It stripped Uriko hime of her skin, donning it as a macabre disguise, concealing itself within her clothes and assuming the guise of the young girl. Upon the return of Uriko hime’s parents, they were deceived into believing that their daughter remained alive.
The day of the wedding arrived, and the elderly couple escorted the amanojaku-in-disguise to its intended groom. However, a crow perched in a nearby tree cried out, warning the couple of the deceptive nature of their supposed daughter. Reacting swiftly, they seized the bride and restrained her. Vigorously, they washed her body, causing the flayed skin to slough off and reveal the true form of the amanojaku.
The amanojaku fled for its life, with the elderly couple and a growing multitude of villagers in hot pursuit. Finally, they caught up with the amanojaku and hit it with sticks, stones, and tools. They beat the demon into a bloody mess, and it died.
©Emika Oka
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Source
天邪鬼 - Wikipedia
天邪鬼とは妖怪だった！？ルーツは？各地域の伝承もまとめ！ – おししょみの雑学部屋 (oshishomi.com)
天邪鬼(あまのじゃく)とは？性格を表す言葉の元になった妖怪を知ろう - アマテラスチャンネル (amaterasu49.com)