産女 · ubume · Various regions

Ubume

Ubume are spirits of women who died in childbirth, often depicted carrying a child. These tragic figures embody the sorrow and loss associated with motherhood, appearing in rural folklore to warn of the dangers of childbirth.

Legend

Legends describe Ubume appearing by rivers to ask for help in carrying their lost children. If one assists them, they might bless the person; if ignored, they may bring misfortune.