This legend accompanies my Mt. Aoba hiking blog. Follow the link below to explore the mountain, its history, and the places that inspired this story.
The Legend of the Tsuchigumo Chieftain: Kugamimi-no-Mikasa
Part 1 – The Mountain of the Tsuchigumo
Long before roads crossed the mountains of Tango, before temple bells echoed through the valleys, there stood a mountain that seemed to change its form with every path from which it was seen. From one valley it rose as a single noble peak; from another, it became two. The people called it Mt. Aoba, and they spoke its name with quiet voices, for they believed ancient powers watched from beneath its towering trees.
It was said that deep within those forests lived a people unlike any other.
Their chief was Kugamimi-no-Mikasa, a man as strong as the old cedars and as watchful as the hawk that circles high above the cliffs. Few claimed to have seen him with their own eyes, yet many told of his wisdom and courage. At his side stood Hikime, whose keen sight missed nothing that stirred among the leaves. Swift as the mountain wind and fearless in battle, she was as greatly respected as the chief himself.
Together they ruled the hidden people of the mountain—the mysterious tsuchigumo.
Some said they were monsters born from the earth itself. Others whispered that they were spirits who had guarded Mt. Aoba since the age of the gods. A few believed they were simply a forgotten people who wished only to be left alone. Whatever the truth, none who lived in the valleys dared climb far into their domain.
As the years passed, strange tales spread from village to village.
Hunters returned with stories of unseen eyes watching from the shadows. Woodcutters spoke of hearing voices carried on the wind where no one could be found. Travelers who ventured too deep into the forest often fled in terror, abandoning their packs and never speaking of what they had witnessed.
Soon the mountain paths grew silent.
The elders offered prayers before passing beneath Mt. Aoba, and mothers warned their children never to wander into its forests. Even the bravest warriors hesitated before entering the ancient woods where the tsuchigumo were believed to dwell.
It was said that deep within those forests lived a people unlike any other.
Their chief was Kugamimi-no-Mikasa, a man as strong as the old cedars and as watchful as the hawk that circles high above the cliffs. Few claimed to have seen him with their own eyes, yet many told of his wisdom and courage. At his side stood Hikime, whose keen sight missed nothing that stirred among the leaves. Swift as the mountain wind and fearless in battle, she was as greatly respected as the chief himself.
Together they ruled the hidden people of the mountain—the mysterious tsuchigumo.
Some said they were monsters born from the earth itself. Others whispered that they were spirits who had guarded Mt. Aoba since the age of the gods. A few believed they were simply a forgotten people who wished only to be left alone. Whatever the truth, none who lived in the valleys dared climb far into their domain.
As the years passed, strange tales spread from village to village.
Hunters returned with stories of unseen eyes watching from the shadows. Woodcutters spoke of hearing voices carried on the wind where no one could be found. Travelers who ventured too deep into the forest often fled in terror, abandoning their packs and never speaking of what they had witnessed.
Soon the mountain paths grew silent.
The elders offered prayers before passing beneath Mt. Aoba, and mothers warned their children never to wander into its forests. Even the bravest warriors hesitated before entering the ancient woods where the tsuchigumo were believed to dwell.
At last, word of these troubles reached the court of Yamato.
The Emperor summoned the valiant prince Hikoimasu, a warrior whose courage was known throughout the land.
"Go to Mt. Aoba," the Emperor commanded. "Learn the truth behind these tales, and bring peace to the people."
Without hesitation, Hikoimasu gathered his finest warriors. Clad in shining armour and carrying bows, spears, and swords, they journeyed north until the dark forests of Mt. Aoba rose before them.
The mountain stood silent.
No bird sang.
No breeze stirred the branches.
Only the towering cedars watched as the prince and his men stepped beneath their ancient boughs.
Far above them, hidden among the trees, two pairs of eyes looked down.
Kugamimi-no-Mikasa had been expecting them.
Beside him stood Hikime, her hand resting lightly upon her bow.
Without a word, the chief turned and disappeared deeper into the forest.
Hikime followed.
The mountain itself seemed to awaken.
And so began the great struggle between the warriors of Yamato and the hidden people of Mt. Aoba.
The Emperor summoned the valiant prince Hikoimasu, a warrior whose courage was known throughout the land.
"Go to Mt. Aoba," the Emperor commanded. "Learn the truth behind these tales, and bring peace to the people."
Without hesitation, Hikoimasu gathered his finest warriors. Clad in shining armour and carrying bows, spears, and swords, they journeyed north until the dark forests of Mt. Aoba rose before them.
The mountain stood silent.
No bird sang.
No breeze stirred the branches.
Only the towering cedars watched as the prince and his men stepped beneath their ancient boughs.
Far above them, hidden among the trees, two pairs of eyes looked down.
Kugamimi-no-Mikasa had been expecting them.
Beside him stood Hikime, her hand resting lightly upon her bow.
Without a word, the chief turned and disappeared deeper into the forest.
Hikime followed.
The mountain itself seemed to awaken.
And so began the great struggle between the warriors of Yamato and the hidden people of Mt. Aoba.
Part 2 – The Flight Along the Yura
The forests of Mt. Aoba became a battlefield.
Prince Hikoimasu and his warriors pressed onward beneath the ancient cedars, but the mountain itself seemed to resist them. Mist drifted through the valleys without warning. Fallen trees blocked the narrow paths. From the cliffs above came the whistle of arrows. By the time the warriors looked up, the archers had already vanished back into the mist.
The tsuchigumo knew every stream, every rocky ledge, and every hidden trail. They struck without warning and disappeared like smoke among the trees.
For seven days and seven nights the struggle continued.
Neither side yielded.
Yet Hikoimasu was no ordinary warrior. Patient and determined, he slowly drove the hidden people from the heights of Mt. Aoba. Step by step, ridge by ridge, his warriors forced the defenders toward the western valleys.
At last, Kugamimi-no-Mikasa stood upon a high cliff overlooking the land below.
Beyond the forests, the Yura River glimmered like a silver ribbon as it wound through the broad valley beneath the morning sun.
He knew the mountain could no longer be held.
Turning to his people, he spoke calmly.
"The mountain has sheltered us for many generations. Today we must leave it, or all will be lost."
Without protest, the tsuchigumo began their retreat through secret paths known only to them.
But Hikime did not move.
"I will remain," she said.
Kugamimi-no-Mikasa looked at her in silence.
"If they follow too closely, none of you will escape."
For a long moment, neither spoke.
Then the chief bowed his head.
When he looked up again, Hikime was already walking back toward the sound of approaching footsteps.
Hidden among the towering cedars, she waited alone.
Soon the warriors of Yamato appeared.
Like a hawk descending upon its prey, Hikime sprang from the forest. Her arrows flew swift and true, and her blade flashed beneath the shadow of the trees. Though greatly outnumbered, she fought with such courage that even Hikoimasu's finest warriors hesitated before her.
At last, the prince himself stepped forward.
The forest grew still.
Their weapons met beneath the branches, and for a time neither could gain the advantage.
But courage alone could not overcome fate.
Hikime fell among the roots of an ancient cedar, her gaze lifted toward the green canopy she had guarded all her life.
When Hikoimasu saw her lying there, he lowered his sword.
"She fought with the heart of a true warrior," he said.
For a moment, the warriors stood in silence.
Even the wind seemed to mourn.
Prince Hikoimasu and his warriors pressed onward beneath the ancient cedars, but the mountain itself seemed to resist them. Mist drifted through the valleys without warning. Fallen trees blocked the narrow paths. From the cliffs above came the whistle of arrows. By the time the warriors looked up, the archers had already vanished back into the mist.
The tsuchigumo knew every stream, every rocky ledge, and every hidden trail. They struck without warning and disappeared like smoke among the trees.
For seven days and seven nights the struggle continued.
Neither side yielded.
Yet Hikoimasu was no ordinary warrior. Patient and determined, he slowly drove the hidden people from the heights of Mt. Aoba. Step by step, ridge by ridge, his warriors forced the defenders toward the western valleys.
At last, Kugamimi-no-Mikasa stood upon a high cliff overlooking the land below.
Beyond the forests, the Yura River glimmered like a silver ribbon as it wound through the broad valley beneath the morning sun.
He knew the mountain could no longer be held.
Turning to his people, he spoke calmly.
"The mountain has sheltered us for many generations. Today we must leave it, or all will be lost."
Without protest, the tsuchigumo began their retreat through secret paths known only to them.
But Hikime did not move.
"I will remain," she said.
Kugamimi-no-Mikasa looked at her in silence.
"If they follow too closely, none of you will escape."
For a long moment, neither spoke.
Then the chief bowed his head.
When he looked up again, Hikime was already walking back toward the sound of approaching footsteps.
Hidden among the towering cedars, she waited alone.
Soon the warriors of Yamato appeared.
Like a hawk descending upon its prey, Hikime sprang from the forest. Her arrows flew swift and true, and her blade flashed beneath the shadow of the trees. Though greatly outnumbered, she fought with such courage that even Hikoimasu's finest warriors hesitated before her.
At last, the prince himself stepped forward.
The forest grew still.
Their weapons met beneath the branches, and for a time neither could gain the advantage.
But courage alone could not overcome fate.
Hikime fell among the roots of an ancient cedar, her gaze lifted toward the green canopy she had guarded all her life.
When Hikoimasu saw her lying there, he lowered his sword.
"She fought with the heart of a true warrior," he said.
For a moment, the warriors stood in silence.
Even the wind seemed to mourn.
Then a scout came running from the western trail.
"My lord!" he cried. "Kugamimi-no-Mikasa has escaped!"
Without delay, Hikoimasu gathered his men and continued the pursuit.
Down from Mt. Aoba, the fleeing tsuchigumo followed narrow valleys where clear streams ran quietly toward the great Yura River. They crossed the broad waters, leaving scarcely a trace behind them.
Yet Hikoimasu never abandoned the chase. He led his warriors along the winding river, passing quiet villages and catching only fleeting glimpses of the fugitives ahead.
At last, the dark mass of Mt. Ōe rose before the fleeing tsuchigumo.
Kugamimi-no-Mikasa fixed his gaze upon the mountain.
"There," he whispered.
"There we shall make our final stand."
And so the chase led onward toward Mt. Ōe, where fearful tales had long been told.
"My lord!" he cried. "Kugamimi-no-Mikasa has escaped!"
Without delay, Hikoimasu gathered his men and continued the pursuit.
Down from Mt. Aoba, the fleeing tsuchigumo followed narrow valleys where clear streams ran quietly toward the great Yura River. They crossed the broad waters, leaving scarcely a trace behind them.
Yet Hikoimasu never abandoned the chase. He led his warriors along the winding river, passing quiet villages and catching only fleeting glimpses of the fugitives ahead.
At last, the dark mass of Mt. Ōe rose before the fleeing tsuchigumo.
Kugamimi-no-Mikasa fixed his gaze upon the mountain.
"There," he whispered.
"There we shall make our final stand."
And so the chase led onward toward Mt. Ōe, where fearful tales had long been told.
Part 3 – The Last Stand at Mt. Ōe
At last, the chase came to Mt. Ōe.
There, beneath its ancient forests, Kugamimi-no-Mikasa gathered the last of the tsuchigumo.
The mountain welcomed them as Mt. Aoba once had.
Its valleys lay deep beneath towering ridges, its forests stretched farther than the eye could see, and countless hidden paths wound beneath the ancient trees.
When Hikoimasu reached the mountain, he searched every trail his scouts could find.
Yet the tsuchigumo had vanished.
The warriors climbed wooded ridges and descended into quiet valleys, but each evening they returned empty-handed. At night they sometimes glimpsed distant fires flickering among the trees, only for them to disappear before dawn.
It was as though the mountain itself had hidden the fugitives.
At last, Hikoimasu sought the guidance of the gods.
An altar was raised beneath the branches of an ancient tree. Sacred rites were performed, and the prince prayed for wisdom.
When the divination was complete, the answer was clear.
The gods had revealed where Kugamimi-no-Mikasa lay concealed.
Before sunrise the next morning, the warriors of Yamato quietly surrounded the hidden valley.
There was no path left by which the tsuchigumo could escape.
As the first light touched the treetops, Kugamimi-no-Mikasa looked upon his people.
Their long flight had come to an end.
There, beneath its ancient forests, Kugamimi-no-Mikasa gathered the last of the tsuchigumo.
The mountain welcomed them as Mt. Aoba once had.
Its valleys lay deep beneath towering ridges, its forests stretched farther than the eye could see, and countless hidden paths wound beneath the ancient trees.
When Hikoimasu reached the mountain, he searched every trail his scouts could find.
Yet the tsuchigumo had vanished.
The warriors climbed wooded ridges and descended into quiet valleys, but each evening they returned empty-handed. At night they sometimes glimpsed distant fires flickering among the trees, only for them to disappear before dawn.
It was as though the mountain itself had hidden the fugitives.
At last, Hikoimasu sought the guidance of the gods.
An altar was raised beneath the branches of an ancient tree. Sacred rites were performed, and the prince prayed for wisdom.
When the divination was complete, the answer was clear.
The gods had revealed where Kugamimi-no-Mikasa lay concealed.
Before sunrise the next morning, the warriors of Yamato quietly surrounded the hidden valley.
There was no path left by which the tsuchigumo could escape.
As the first light touched the treetops, Kugamimi-no-Mikasa looked upon his people.
Their long flight had come to an end.
Without a word, he took up his axe and walked toward the waiting enemy.
The tsuchigumo followed.
Then the silence was broken.
The battle was fierce.
Though greatly outnumbered, the hidden people fought with the courage of those who knew there would be no tomorrow. Beneath the towering cedars, the clash of swords echoed through the valley, and arrows flew between the trees.
Wherever Kugamimi-no-Mikasa fought, the warriors of Yamato struggled to overcome him.
Seeing the battle still undecided, Hikoimasu entered the fighting himself.
Amid the confusion of battle, the two leaders met beneath the ancient forest.
Long they fought, while the struggle raged around them.
Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the battle was over.
The valley fell silent.
The tsuchigumo were seen no more.
Prince Hikoimasu had fulfilled the Emperor's command, and peace returned to the land.
Yet one mystery remained.
Some said Kugamimi-no-Mikasa fell beneath the ancient trees of Mt. Ōe.
Others whispered that, in the final moments of the battle, he slipped away into the endless forests where no pursuer could follow.
Whatever the truth, he was never seen again.
And so the tale of Kugamimi-no-Mikasa passed into legend.
Even today, when mist drifts silently through the forests of Mt. Ōe, there are those who say the mountain still keeps its oldest secret.
The tsuchigumo followed.
Then the silence was broken.
The battle was fierce.
Though greatly outnumbered, the hidden people fought with the courage of those who knew there would be no tomorrow. Beneath the towering cedars, the clash of swords echoed through the valley, and arrows flew between the trees.
Wherever Kugamimi-no-Mikasa fought, the warriors of Yamato struggled to overcome him.
Seeing the battle still undecided, Hikoimasu entered the fighting himself.
Amid the confusion of battle, the two leaders met beneath the ancient forest.
Long they fought, while the struggle raged around them.
Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the battle was over.
The valley fell silent.
The tsuchigumo were seen no more.
Prince Hikoimasu had fulfilled the Emperor's command, and peace returned to the land.
Yet one mystery remained.
Some said Kugamimi-no-Mikasa fell beneath the ancient trees of Mt. Ōe.
Others whispered that, in the final moments of the battle, he slipped away into the endless forests where no pursuer could follow.
Whatever the truth, he was never seen again.
And so the tale of Kugamimi-no-Mikasa passed into legend.
Even today, when mist drifts silently through the forests of Mt. Ōe, there are those who say the mountain still keeps its oldest secret.
© 2026 Aoraki English School
“The Legend of the Tsuchigumo Chieftain, Kugamimi-no-Mikasa” and all accompanying illustrations are original creations produced under the author’s direction, with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
No portion of the story or associated images may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or other methods, without the prior written consent of the author.
“The Legend of the Tsuchigumo Chieftain, Kugamimi-no-Mikasa” and all accompanying illustrations are original creations produced under the author’s direction, with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
No portion of the story or associated images may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or other methods, without the prior written consent of the author.
© 2026 アオラキ英語スクール
『土蜘蛛の首長・公耳御笠（くがみみのみかさ）伝説』および付随するイラストは、作者の指示のもと人工知能を活用して制作したオリジナル作品です。
本作品および画像の無断転載・複製・配布を固く禁じます。
『土蜘蛛の首長・公耳御笠（くがみみのみかさ）伝説』および付随するイラストは、作者の指示のもと人工知能を活用して制作したオリジナル作品です。
本作品および画像の無断転載・複製・配布を固く禁じます。