Yuki-onna is an ancient Japanese yokai, a category of ghosts, spirits, and monsters derived from folklore. The first account of the mysterious woman was written centuries ago, during Japan’s Muromachi period. The legend is popular in the north of Japan and in other places with harsh winters and heavy snowfalls, and it likely appeared in response to missing locals during storms.

For Further Reading:

A Heart as Cold as Ice?

Ancient Tales and Folk-Lore of Japan

Yuki Onna: Shining a spotlight on a Japanese folklore legend

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Scream Queens: Yuki-onna