Snegurochka Yuki-Onna – A Japanese Legend of the Snow Woman

Snegurochka Yuki-Onna is a Japanese legend about a mystical woman who encounters travelers in the winter forest. A story of enigmatic beauty and the mysterious forces of nature.

Snegurochka Yuki-Onna – A Japanese Legend of the Snow Woman

Short Description: This Japanese legend tells the story of the snow woman Yuki-Onna, who encounters travelers in the winter forest. She symbolizes both the beauty and the danger of nature.


In ancient times, in the mountains of Japan, lived two woodcutters – the old Mosaku and his young assistant Minokiti. In winter, when the mountains were covered with a thick layer of snow, they went out to gather firewood. At night, a snowstorm struck them, and they decided to take shelter in a hunter's cabin abandoned in the forest.

The old man and the young man lit a small fire, but the cold seeped into the cabin. During the night, Minokiti woke up with a strange feeling. Opening his eyes, he saw a beautiful woman in white in the room. Her face was pale like snow, and her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders. She stood over the old man, and cold vapor escaped from her lips.

— Who are you? — asked Minokiti, frozen with fear.

The woman turned to the young man. Her eyes shone like moonlight.

— I am Yuki-Onna, — she whispered. — You are young and innocent, so I will spare you. But remember: if you ever tell anyone about what you saw tonight, I will return and take your life.

With these words, she dissolved into the air like a snowflake in the wind. In the morning, Minokiti discovered that the old man had frozen to death. Shocked but alive, he vowed never to tell anyone about what had happened.

Several years passed. Minokiti grew up and met a beautiful woman named O-Yuki. She was as beautiful as the woman from the forest. They married, and their life was happy. They had children, and the family was surrounded by love.

One winter, while they were sitting by the hearth, Minokiti suddenly remembered that fateful night. He looked at his wife and said:

— You know, you remind me so much of a woman I saw in the forest many years ago. She called herself Yuki-Onna. It was the strangest night of my life.

As soon as he spoke these words, O-Yuki's face changed. She stood up, her eyes flashed with cold light, and her voice became icy.

— That was me, — she said. — I warned you never to tell anyone about it! But for the sake of our children, I will not take your life. Protect them and be a good father. And now, farewell.

Yuki-Onna transformed into a snow whirlwind and disappeared, leaving Minokiti and the children alone. He remembered her words all his life and told his children about respecting nature and its mysterious power.

Snegurochka Yuki-Onna Japanese Fairy Tale with Illustration


Moral of the Story:

This fairy tale teaches that nature is beautiful but also harbors dangers. One must respect its laws and be careful with their promises.

Discussion Questions:

  • Why did Yuki-Onna spare Minokiti but warn him?
  • How did Minokiti realize that his wife was Yuki-Onna?
  • What does this story teach about the power of nature and the necessity of keeping promises?

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