Tsuchigumo 土蜘蛛

Tsuchigumo (土蜘蛛), the “Earth Spider,” is a shapeshifting arachnid of immense size and malice—a creature of the deep caves that uses illusions to trap and devour the greatest warriors of Japan.

Meaning and Origin

The name means “Earth Spider” (tsuchi - earth, gumo - spider).

Historically, “Tsuchigumo” was a derogatory term used by the early Yamato court to describe indigenous tribes and outlaws who refused to submit to the Emperor. Because these renegade groups lived in dirt-walled caves, they were mockingly called “Earth Spiders.” Over centuries, the political enemies of the state were mythologized into literal monsters—gigantic, eight-legged demons that lived in the dark corners of the Japanese frontier.

Characteristics

A Tsuchigumo is typically depicted as a spider the size of a bull, with a tiger’s body and a hideous, human-like face. Its legs are as long as spears, and its silk is said to be strong enough to bind an entire army.

It is a master of Yōjutsu (dark sorcery) and illusions. A Tsuchigumo rarely attacks directly; instead, it disguises itself as a beautiful woman, a young servant boy, or a holy monk to lure travelers into its cave. Once the victim is relaxed or sleeping, the Tsuchigumo blankets them in its webbing and drains their vital energy over several days.

Legends

The most famous legends involving the Tsuchigumo feature the hero Minamoto no Yorimitsu (Raikō). In one tale, while Raikō was suffering from a mysterious fever, a small monk appeared and tried to throw a web over him. Raikō struck the monk with his sword, and the spirit fled.

Following a trail of white blood, Raikō and his Four Heavenly Kings found a massive cave. Inside was a colossal Tsuchigumo, whose very breath was poisonous. A fierce battle ensued, and when Raikō finally beheaded the monster, its stomach burst open, releasing 1,990 smaller spiders and the skulls of hundreds of fallen warriors. This legend serves as a classic tale of civilization (Raikō) overcoming the untamed, ancient darkness of the Earth (Tsuchigumo).