土蜘蛛　Tsuchigumo(The Demon Spider)

The Tsuchigumo have lived in Mt Katsuragi in Yamato Province since the olden days. One such Tsuchigumo spirit transformed into a lady attendant named Kocho and, under the guise of being a messenger from the court physician, attempted to poison Minamoto no Raiko.

 However, Kocho’s true form revealed with a single blow from the treasured sword Hizamaru.

Although the Tsuchigumo spirit then fled back to Mt Katsuragi, Raiko renamed the sword Kumokirimaru (spider-cutter) and bestowed it upon the Shitenno (Four Guardian Kings) with orders to exterminate the Tsuchigumo.

Despite facing sorcerous attacks, the Shitenno succeeded in defeating the Tsuchigumo.

Key point: Impressive production and performance imitating the spider web !