Yasha

Yasha were once noblewomen, transformed into demons by Spirit Stones and their own hatred. They originally appeared in indian folklore, sometimes as water gods, but came to Japan via the teachings of Buddhism. There is a Japanese idiom that likens the more fearsome side of a woman's personality to a Yasha. The Yasha have also been implicated in various folktales about women who performed mysterious ceremonies to obtain dark magical powers. One should beware these powers when facing a Yasha in battle. Among the many tales of women who turned into demons die to their bitter jealously, "Uji no...