The story revolves around a type of onryo, a vengeful spirit from Japanese folklore. It is said to be the spirit of a woman who has been wronged in life and seeks revenge by reanimating her own corpse. In this case, the Rokuro-Kubi is a neck-stretching onryo that can detach its head from its body at will. The story describes how it terrorizes a family, particularly the father, who is forced to endure the spirit's cruel pranks and eventually meets a gruesome end. The narrative explores themes of guilt, shame, and the consequences of one's actions, as well as the idea that the dead can exact revenge on the living.
By Lafcadio Hearn · First published 1894 · Genre: Fantasy, Folklore, Adventure