This narrative revolves around a young woman named O-Tei who lives with her husband and son in rural Japan. Her life is marked by poverty and hardship, but she finds solace in the traditional Japanese arts of music and dance. O-Tei's husband is a poor farmer who struggles to provide for his family, leading to tensions within their household. Despite these difficulties, O-Tei remains devoted to her family and continues to practice her art. The story takes a tragic turn when O-Tei's son falls ill with smallpox, and she becomes desperate to save him. In a moment of desperation, she turns to the traditional Japanese practice of "yurei," or spirit possession, in an attempt to summon the spirits for help. As O-Tei delves deeper into this practice, she begins to lose her grip on reality, and her behavior becomes increasingly erratic. Her husband is torn between his love for her and his fear of her growing instability. The narrative builds towards a devastating conclusion as O-Tei's condition worsens, and her family is forced to confront the consequences of her actions. The story raises questions about the role of tradition in modern life and the dangers of unchecked emotional intensity.
By Lafcadio Hearn · First published 1904 · Genre: Romantic Fiction, Fantasy, Tragedy