TALES FROM HISTORY

The Three-Legged Crow

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.