85 stories
日本語 · N3

道成寺の清姫

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The handsome monk Anchin, on a pilgrimage to Kumano, was fallen in love with at first sight by Kiyohime, the daughter of his wealthy innkeeper host.
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Fervently confessed to by Kiyohime, Anchin lied, saying, "I will surely stop by on my return," and fled as if to escape.
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Realizing she had been betrayed when Anchin failed to appear past the promised date, Kiyohime pursued him barefoot in a frenzy of rage and despair.
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Reaching the riverbank, Kiyohime learned that Anchin had urged the boatman not to take her aboard and had crossed alone.
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Driven by fierce passion and obsession, her body underwent a monstrous transformation, turning into a giant serpent that swam across the raging, muddy torrent.
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Pursued by Kiyohime in serpent form, Anchin fled for his life into Dojo-ji Temple and pleaded with the monks for rescue.
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The temple monks lowered the great temple bell, concealed Anchin inside it, and barred the gates tight.
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However, the giant serpent that invaded the temple coiled itself countless times around the bell sheltering Anchin, completely blocking any escape.
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The fierce flames of rage spewed from Kiyohime's maw heated the bell white-hot, incinerating Anchin inside.
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Having achieved her revenge, the serpent drowned herself in the river, leaving behind a chilling testament to the terrors of uncontrollable human attachment.

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