Tsuchigumo (Ground Spider) : PhotoStory

Deep in the night, a monk visits Minamoto no Raikō, who is ill in bed. Late at night, even a clear moon goes behind the clouds, the monk says mysteriously.

After hearing of Raiko's condition, the monk recites lines from the Kokin-shū, hinting at his own true nature. Just in time, it is sensed that this is an incarnation of Tsuchi-gumo.

That instant, Tsuchi-gumo hurls its web. From his bedside, Raikō pulls out Hiza-maru, the celebrated sword. There is a flash, then another.

Tsuchi-gumi must have fled. The monster, bleeding from the long sword, has vanished.

A warrior retainer rushes in and Raikō relates what has happened. The famous sword has demonstrated its power, and its name is changed from Hiza-maru to Kumokiri (Spider Slasher).

The warrior and his party follow the trail of blood. Ahead of them appears the mound that is the nest of the spider.

As they destroy the mound, the monstrous apparition of Tsuchi-gumo appears from the rock shadows, declaring it will bring disaster upon the world.

The battle begins between the apparition and the opposing force.

Tsuchi-gumo spins threads and hurls them out.

The warriors face great danger from the clinging threads.

They use the shining sword to overcome this. The scepter is surrounded and killed.