Yamanba (Noh play)
Encyclopedia
is a frequently-performed Noh play
of the fifth category attributed to Zeami Motokiyo
. Its central character is the legendary mountain hag, Yama-uba
.
A female dancer, called "Hyakuma Yamanba" because of her frequent performances of songs about the character, embarks on a pilgrimage to Zenkōji in Shinano Province
, accompanied by her attendants.
While travelling north-east on the Koshi road, they arrive at the river boundary between Etchu Province
and Echigo Province
. The road beyond diverges in three directions, and they ask for directions from a local, who advises them that Agero Pass is far too steep for a litter, as it is "the path Amida
himself takes as he descends to receive souls." The dancer decides that, as she is a pilgrim, it is fitting that she descend from her litter and proceed on foot, taking that very path.
They have not gone far when the sun sets unexpectedly, and they are offered lodgings by a mysterious old woman, who, after they accept, demands that the dancer perform the Yamanba song. The attendants are indignant, but become afraid when they realise she is a supernatural being.
Suddenly the darkness vanishes, and it is once again the middle of day. They meet the same local man, who tells them tall tales of the origin of Yama-uba. On his departure, the dancer dares not refuse Yama-uba's request — but it is the crone
herself who performs the long dance which ends the play.
Noh
, or - derived from the Sino-Japanese word for "skill" or "talent" - is a major form of classical Japanese musical drama that has been performed since the 14th century. Many characters are masked, with men playing male and female roles. Traditionally, a Noh "performance day" lasts all day and...
of the fifth category attributed to Zeami Motokiyo
Zeami Motokiyo
Zeami Motokiyo , also called Kanze Motokiyo , was a Japanese aesthetician, actor and playwright.-Acting:...
. Its central character is the legendary mountain hag, Yama-uba
Yama-uba
Yamauba, Yamamba or Yamanba are variations on the name of a yōkai found in Japanese folklore.-Description in Classical Japanese Folklore:...
.
A female dancer, called "Hyakuma Yamanba" because of her frequent performances of songs about the character, embarks on a pilgrimage to Zenkōji in Shinano Province
Shinano Province
or is an old province of Japan that is now present day Nagano Prefecture.Shinano bordered on Echigo, Etchū, Hida, Kai, Kōzuke, Mikawa, Mino, Musashi, Suruga, and Tōtōmi Provinces...
, accompanied by her attendants.
While travelling north-east on the Koshi road, they arrive at the river boundary between Etchu Province
Etchu Province
was an old province in central Honshū, on the Sea of Japan side. It was sometimes called , with Echizen and Echigo Provinces. It bordered Echigo, Shinano, Hida, Kaga, and Noto provinces...
and Echigo Province
Echigo Province
was an old province in north-central Japan, on the shores of the Sea of Japan. It was sometimes called , with Echizen and Etchū Provinces. Today the area is part of Niigata Prefecture, which also includes the island which was the old Sado Province. This province was the northernmost part of the...
. The road beyond diverges in three directions, and they ask for directions from a local, who advises them that Agero Pass is far too steep for a litter, as it is "the path Amida
Amida
Amida can mean:* Amitabha, an important Buddha in East Asian Buddhism* Amida , a beetle genus* Amida Buddha* Amidah, the central prayer of the Jewish services* Amidakuji, a way of drawing lots* Amitabh Bachchan, an actor...
himself takes as he descends to receive souls." The dancer decides that, as she is a pilgrim, it is fitting that she descend from her litter and proceed on foot, taking that very path.
They have not gone far when the sun sets unexpectedly, and they are offered lodgings by a mysterious old woman, who, after they accept, demands that the dancer perform the Yamanba song. The attendants are indignant, but become afraid when they realise she is a supernatural being.
Suddenly the darkness vanishes, and it is once again the middle of day. They meet the same local man, who tells them tall tales of the origin of Yama-uba. On his departure, the dancer dares not refuse Yama-uba's request — but it is the crone
Crone
The crone is a stock character in folklore and fairy tale, an old woman who is usually disagreeable, malicious, or sinister in manner, often with magical or supernatural associations that can make her either helpful or obstructing. She is marginalized by her exclusion from the reproductive cycle,...
herself who performs the long dance which ends the play.