Tradition: Japanese Mythology
Alternative Names: Rōjin no Hi, 老人火, Tengu no Miakashi
Category: Flame
The Myth
The Rōjinbi, meaning “Old Person Fire,” is a demonic flame from Japanese mythology that appears deep in the mountains on rainy nights. It is said to manifest alongside an elderly figure, creating an eerie sight on lonely mountain roads. The supernatural fire is extremely difficult to extinguish: water has no effect on it, while beating it with animal skins is said to make it disappear.
The Rōjinbi is particularly dangerous to travellers who encounter it on a straight stretch of road. According to tradition, a person can make the flame change direction by holding their footwear above their head. However, anyone who panics and attempts to flee may find the Rōjinbi pursuing them endlessly, following them wherever they run.
The fire is sometimes associated with the Tengu, supernatural beings that inhabit the mountains. Under the name Tengu no Miakashi, meaning “Tengu’s Lantern,” it is connected to a mysterious flame supposedly kindled by one of these mountain spirits. The Rōjinbi’s vulnerability to animal skins is also linked in folklore to the Tengu’s reported dislike of the smell of roasting meat, suggesting a connection between the strange fire and the spirits of the mountains.
Sources
“Rōjinbi.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 11, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C5%8Djinbi