TALES FROM HISTORY

The Three-Legged Crow — Unforgettable Guardian of the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

Myths, pilgrimage routes, and soccer

Those who have had the pleasure of hiking along the ancient pilgrimage paths of the Kumano Kodo on the Kii Peninsula of Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, have probably seen an image of the three-legged crow, Yatagarasu. These sacred crows are said to be messengers of the gods, and due to their intelligence and keen eyesight, they are also revered as guides.

Hongu Grand Shrine, Wakayama Prefecture.

The Yatagarasu has a long history.

Han Dynasty mural painting of three-legged bird, Henan, China. (Public domain)

Ancient Chinese myths tell of a scarlet, three-legged bird that lived in the sun. Carvings of these birds have been found on tombs in China from the 3rd century, BC. In Japan, images of Yatagarasu were carved on the walls of the ancient Kitora Tomb in Nara.

Tamamushi no Zushi, aka Tamamushi Shrine. (Public domain)

The three-legged crow even appears on the 7th century Tamamushi no Zushi, a small cabinet for holding Buddhist texts and objects that was decorated with…