Tradition / Region: Japanese Mythology
Alternative names: Taraaka Dragon
Category: Dragon
The Myth
Taraaka was a gigantic evil dragon that invaded the seas ruled by Princess Otohime, mistress of the Dragon Palace. Accompanied by an army of monstrous poisonous fish and marine creatures, Taraaka seized the Shell Palace and spread terror throughout the ocean.
His followers included the Laughing Shark, a sawshark possessed by a vengeful spirit, the Tiger Pufferfish, giant crabs, sea snakes, octopuses, killer whales, sea otters, and many other fearsome creatures. Together they raided the seas and sought to steal the magical jewels that controlled the tides.
The Dragon Palace itself had long been ruled by Princess Otohime, but Taraaka’s growing power threatened her kingdom. The wicked dragon desired the Thousand Jewel and Ten Thousand Jewel, sacred treasures that governed the ebb and flow of the sea.
At that time, the wandering samurai Ōhara Takejirō Takematsu was rescued from drowning by a turtle he had once saved and was brought to the Dragon Palace. Trusting in his courage, Princess Otohime asked him to destroy Taraaka.
Believing the monster to be a type of mizuchi, an aquatic dragon, Takejirō devised a plan based upon ancient legends. Remembering how Susanoo defeated the eight-headed serpent through intoxication, he prepared a powerful sake brewed from fermented swallow meat, which dragons were believed to favor.
When five barrels of the strange wine were completed, they were delivered to Taraaka’s palace. The dragon, delighted by false news that Princess Otohime wished to marry him, opened the barrels and celebrated with his followers.
The magical drink quickly overwhelmed Taraaka and his entire court. While the monsters lay drunken and helpless, Princess Otohime’s servants recovered the stolen jewels and escaped.
Soon the evil fish awoke and pursued them, only to encounter Takejirō. Armed with a sword given to him by Otohime, he slaughtered the Laughing Shark, split the Tiger Pufferfish in half, and killed the other monstrous servants.
Enraged, Taraaka himself appeared, raising enormous waves and storms as he charged into battle. Takejirō drew his bow and released a single arrow. It struck the dragon in the throat and neck, and the gigantic creature collapsed like a falling tree.
When the monster’s true form was revealed, it measured more than twenty fathoms in length. It resembled a terrifying lizard with four legs, looking much like a gigantic crocodile. Takejirō believed it to be a kind of mizuchi, the rain dragon of ancient legends.
After its death, Princess Otohime ordered the bodies of Taraaka and his chief followers burned. Their ashes were buried beneath a mound to calm their vengeful spirits and prevent them from causing further harm.
Having restored peace to the seas, Otohime rewarded Takejirō with a sacred jewel bestowed by the Buddha and returned him to the world of men.
Thus Taraaka was remembered as one of the great evil dragons of Japanese legend, a monstrous ruler of the seas whose reign ended through cunning, sacred treasures, and the courage of a single warrior.
Sources
TYZ. (n.d.). Taraaka [タラーアカ]. In 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑. Retrieved June 13, 2026, from https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1070683103.html
