Tradition / Region: Japanese Mythology
Alternative names: Yanba
Category: Bird
The Myth
Enba is a gigantic bird that dwells in the Yama Refuge, one of the sixteen places attached to the lowest level of the Eight Great Hells, the Avīci Hell. It is described as being as large as an elephant, with a sharp beak that burns with flames.
The Yama Refuge is the place of punishment for those who blocked the flow of rivers and caused others to die of thirst.
When Enba seizes a sinner, it flies high into the sky, carrying its victim across the heavens before dropping them from a great height. The sinner’s body shatters upon the ground, only to be restored so the punishment can begin again.
The refuge is also filled with paths covered in sharp blades that slice the feet of the damned, while dogs with flaming teeth continually bite and torment them. Together, the blazing birds, burning dogs, and fields of blades inflict endless suffering upon the condemned.
Sources
Takahashi, Toshihiro. “エンバ (Enba).” 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑 (New TYZ Yokai Encyclopedia). TYZ Yokai Blog. Accessed July 27, 2026. https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1010655136.html