Ubume

By Crusader1307

From 12th Century Japan, comes the Tale of ''Ubume''. Near The Kyoto River is a stone bridge. Travelers often see an old woman holding an infant (and peering into the water, intently. She will plead with the passerby to hold the child.....for only a moment. When the helpful stranger does, the old woman vanishes. Naturally, the passerby begins to carry the child to safety (or to Authorities). With every step, the child (swaddled), becomes heavier and heavier, until one can no longer hold it. Upon placing the child on the ground (and unwrapping it) a large rock is revealed. It was said that an evil Shogun wanted his bridge blessed. So, he had Ubume and her child killed and buried under the pillars of the bridge (as a sacrifice to the Shogun's Gods). Her Ghost appears looking for help......forever!