One of the most feared yokai in Japanese history, if not the most, is the blazing wanyudo. Also known as Firewheel or Soultaker (魂狩), he is the infernal guardian that patrols the fiendish pathway to the Gates of Hell. On a fiery crimson sunset, the filament between Here and There thins just enough for the wanyudo to burn through. Then he will fiercely whirl his oxcart wheel, jumping from rooftop to rooftop, terrorizing the city and leaving a trail of soulless bodies along its path.

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Origin

It is commonly believed that wanyudo is the reincarnated condemned soul of an tyrant Daimyo. And this unnamed feudal lord of ancient Kyoto was notorious for abusing and torturing his rivals. He would parade his semi-conscious victims around by dragging them behind his grand oxcart.

Eventually, on the Daimyo’s last torture towing tours, he was assassinated and beheaded by a ninja. The lord’s tormented face reeled across the town square and continued to roll into the fiery depths of hell. As divine punishment, he was cursed to become Wanyudo and terrorize the skies of Kyoto for decades after.

Yokai Terrorist

Based on its most prominent origin story (above), wanyudo can be considered a type of onryo, even though it is not a yurei. This categorization can be further reasoned by its malicious actions such as running over its victims and/or rending the limbs off said person. The only way to protect yourself from the rampaging wanyudo is to avoid its terrorizing path and wicked gaze.

For instance, there is an ancient story from Kyoto tells of a woman who peeked at wanyudo as it rolled through town. “Instead of me, you should have looked at your child!” it screamed. The woman turned only to see a limbless infant in a pool of blood. When she looked out again, wanyudo was already whirling away, munching on her baby’s legs.

Even in this modern age, there are still many who believe and fear in the wanyudo. No wards can protect you from his terrors. No charm can save you from his dread. All you can do is stay indoors, hide and pray that he does not catch a glimpse of your soul.

Yokai Details

• name: wanyudo (wah-ni-you-doh)
• kanji: 輪入道 (わにゅうどう)
• meaning: wheel monk
• aka:
  • firewheel ( 火輪 )
  • soultaker ( 魂狩 )
• abilities:
  1. pyrokinesis — generate extreme heat and produce fire
  2. pyrexia — give an individual severe fever
  3. flight — ability to fly
  4. soul steal — remove the life essence of any individual