Summary
Once upon a time, fearsome demons lived in Mount Oe, abducting the beautiful girls of the village. One day, the daughter of a wealthy family was taken by a demon, and her father sought help from the emperor. The emperor ordered Minamoto no Yorimitsu, saying, "Please defeat the demons and rescue the young girls."
Yorimitsu replied, "Even if it is dangerous, I will accept this mission," and gathered four of his retainers to explain the task. "First, we will disguise ourselves as ascetic monks and find out where the demons are hiding. Be cautious," he instructed. Afterward, they prayed at a shrine and were climbing the mountain when they encountered three old men.
The old men said, "We, too, had our families taken by the demons, and we wish for revenge. The leader of the demons is called 'Shōnōdōji,' and the perfect time to strike is when he drinks and sleeps. Here, we possess a magical sake that weakens the demons." Yorimitsu accepted the sake and a "star helmet," then made his way to the demons' stronghold.
After crossing a valley, he met a beautiful girl who said, "I am imprisoned in the demons' fortress. Other girls are also destined to have their blood taken." Yorimitsu promised, "We will defeat the demons and surely rescue you."
Later, they found the demons standing in front of an iron gate. When Yorimitsu said, "We are ascetic monks in training. Please help us," the demons led them to the great hall. Shōnōdōji appeared and said, "I shall entertain you." Yorimitsu offered the sake he brought, saying, "First, let me taste it for poison," and drank the sake. Shōnōdōji showed interest and drank one cup after another.
"Very delicious! Bring me more!" shouted Shōnōdōji, and while the demons became drunk and fell asleep, Yorimitsu yelled, "Now! Attack!" He donned the star helmet and wielded his sword. He cut off Shōnōdōji's head and toppled the other five demons one by one. "Come out safely!" Yorimitsu called to the captured girls.
The girls, weeping with joy, exclaimed, "You really have saved us!" Yorimitsu discovered treasure in the demons' stronghold, and upon returning to the capital, the five were rewarded at the palace. "This is all the guidance of the gods," Yorimitsu smiled.
