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Benbeko Taro which can be said to be the Yamagata version of the famous folktale "Hayataro Legend (Shippei Taro Legend)" that is passed down in Nagano and Shizuoka prefectures .
To summarize, a brave dog who defeats a monster that plagues villagers by demanding sacrificesthe grave of Benbeko Taro actually exists at Myoken Shrine in Tendo City
The legend of Benbeko Taro passed down in Tendo
Once upon a time, a traveling monk visited this place
There is no lodging in the village, so the monk decides to stay at the home of a villager
After dinner, the family member occasionally looked sad, so the monk asked him why. The monk was told that there was a monster living in the mountains behind the village shrine, and that once every three years a young girl had to be sacrificed to it. The family member's daughter had been chosen as a human sacrifice two years earlier, and so she would sometimes remember this and become sad
Hearing this, the monk went into the shrine in the middle of the night to investigate. After a while, a warm breeze suddenly blew in, and he smelled a fishy smell. Then he saw many large tanukis gather and start drinking.
After a while, a drunk big raccoon
The song begins with, "Don't let Benbeko Taro of Shinano Province hear this and that."
Hearing this, the monk promised the villagers, "I will avenge your daughter as a token of my gratitude for your kindness," and set off on another journey
After a year had passed, the monk returned from Shinano Province Benbeko Taro , and waited until nightfall before heading to the shrine.
From the shrine, the sounds of dogs barking, raccoons growling, and animals fighting could be heard, and this continued all night
When the villagers went to the shrine in the morning, they found many dead raccoon dogs lying around. Benbeko Taro, who had fought bravely, was wounded and weakened, and after a while he ran out of strength and died
The villagers were grateful to Benbekotaro and built a grave for him to mourn him
Is it related to the Hayataro legend (Shippeitaro legend)?
The nationally famous Shippeitaro Legend is told at Kozenji Temple in Shinanoa giant monkey lives in the shrine and causes trouble by demanding sacrifices .
The general outline of the story is very similar, with Hayataro having successfully defeated the giant monkey returning to Kozenji Temple on foot, where he dies
Because of his achievements, the legend of Hayataro is passed down at Kozenji Templethe legend of Shippeitaro at Mitsuke Tenjin Shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture
As an aside, a similar story also exists in "Inu no Miya", with a dog brought from far away defeating a mischievous raccoon dog , but the connection is a mystery.
there is a theory that this may be related to Risshakuji Temple, a mountain temple located near Tendo
Risshakuji is an ancient Tendai Buddhist temple founded by Ennin, the founder of the Tendai sect of BuddhismKozenjiwas founded by Honsho Shonin , , and it is thought that this relationship may have led to exchanges between the two temples.
Perhaps through this exchange, the story of Hayataro reached Risshakuji Temple, and the rumor unknowingly took root in the local area...or perhaps a monk from Risshakuji Temple heard the rumor and prayed to the spirit dog of Kozenji Temple for help...We don't know the truth, but it certainly gets the imagination going!
Myoken Shrine, where Benbeko Taro's grave is located
Benbeko Taro's grave is located at Myoken Shrine in Tendo City .
There are two theories about this: one is that the shrine was founded along with Benbeko Taro's grave, and the other is that the raccoon dog was having a drinking party in the grounds of Myoken Shrine
The entrance to Myoken Shrine
Myoken Shrine is located on a small hill. The entire hill appears to be the shrine grounds
Stone pillars of Myoken Shrine
The stone pillar of Myoken Shrine stands just past the torii gate
The many shrines at Myoken Shrine
There are many shrines within the shrine grounds
The main hall of Myoken Shrine
It is not a large shrine, but it is well maintained and you can tell that it is well cared for by the locals
Benbeko Taro's grave overlooking the village
I couldn't find it easily so I turned back along the approach, and then I saw an interesting shrine in the distance. It was located on top of a mountain overlooking the surrounding area
Benbeko Taro's Grave
I found it. The name is written on it so that it's easy to find. Perhaps it was intended to be in a position overlooking the surrounding area from the mountain, with the hope that it would watch over the village for many years to come
Myoken Shrine <Information>
Name: Myoken Shrine
Address: Yamaguchi, Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture, 994-0101
Traveling around the Tohoku region, I enjoy drinking delicious sake and exploring the local history, traditions, and customs. I write articles based on my interests. I'm currently interested in folk performing arts, local toys, and folk beliefs.
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