The idea that a monster impervious to normal weapons was defeated not by a magical sword, but by the hero's own saliva, revealing a deep connection between spiritual purity and martial victory in Japanese belief.

In this episode of our podcast, we explore the classic Japanese legend of Tawara Tōda, also known as "My Lord Bag of Rice." This podcast delves into the story of the brave warrior Fujiwara no Hidesato, who encounters a mysterious dragon on a bridge over Lake Biwa. We'll discuss his quest to defeat the monstrous giant centipede, the Ōmukade, that terrorizes the Dragon King's underwater palace. A key focus of this episode is the analysis of the battle's climax, where the hero uses an unconventional weapon—an arrow coated in his own saliva—and what this reveals about the themes of purity and divine favor in Japanese folklore. Furthermore, this podcast examines the historical roots of the tale, connecting the mythical hero to the real 10th-century commander he was based on. We will also explore the deep symbolism of the story's setting and characters, from the sacredness of Lake Biwa to the cultural roles of dragons and centipedes. Finally, the episode touches on the enduring legacy of Tawara Tōda in modern media, including references in video games and anime.