You’re a traveler in the middle of a snowy forest seeking refuge from the biting cold, and you stumbled upon a nearly hidden cottage. Its form was blocked beneath layers of snow, but a flickering light from within hinted at shelter.
A Tale of Yuki-Onna
Despite knowing of a village up North, you decide to pass and venture further into the forest. The winds, however, were relentless. Attempting to find shortcuts, you found himself repeatedly pushed back, always returning to the mysterious cottage. Certain someone inhabited it, you knocked and yelled, yet received no response. Desperation to escape the blizzard led you to force his way into the cottage.
Inside, you made himself at home, gradually warming up. You feel your finger tips return to normal. The temperature in the room dropps, but not enough to raise suspicion. Settling by the fire, you felt a freezing chill on your back. A ghostly woman in a beautiful white Kimono appeared—a vision of delicate beauty with snow-white hair and skin as pale as snow. Her voice, soft as a winter breeze, told tales of longing and loneliness. In shock, you attempted to flee, but the snow outside had piled up. Eventually, empathy overcame you, and you return to the cottage.
Noticing the woman had vanished, you hear whispers of sorrow. She reappears, and this time, you speak to her. Im sadness and sorrow, she shares her tales. You feel an allure of some sort and eventually fell asleep as the night deepens. Upon waking, the once-safe haven transformed into an icy sanctuary. Ice crept along the walls, and the air turned frigid. Entrapped, you realize it too late. With an icy gaze and frozen breathes, the woman embraces you, draining away your life force. The once-inviting cottage stood as a frozen monument to a tragic tale.
The Origin
Yuki-Onna’s tale is in the roots of Japanese folklore. The story tells of a woman who met her demise in a snowstorm or passed away under tragic circumstances related to the cold. Emerging as a spirit, she often seeks warmth and companionship. She is often depicted as a lonely and sorrowful spirit haunted by her past. She may appear to lost travelers or villagers, especially during snowstorms. Rather than immediately causing harm, she’ll gradually lead them toward a frozen tragedy.
Some stories even say that acts of kindness or empathy may earn mercy from Yuki-Onna. Over the years, Yuki Onna’s character has adapted, leading to variations ranging from vengeful to tragic, creating a rich folklore that continually expands.