Yama-bito
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Yama-bito (やまびと, "mountain people") are mountain-dwelling human-like beings in Japanese folklore. They appear to be men and women who have reverted or been transformed into an animal- or monster-like state via withdrawal from human society. The most famous yama-bito are the yama-uba (mountain hag) and the yama-otoko (mountain man), but they can be of any sex or age.
[edit] References
Sadler, A. W. (1987). "The Spirit-Captives of Japan's North Country: Nineteenth Century Narratives of the "Kamikakushi"". Asian Folklore Studies 46: 217–226. Asian Folklore Studies, Nanzan University. doi:.
