Alternatively, it is also said that Hannya became the mask's name because when Aoi no ue (Lady Aoi) in "The Tale of Genji" was agonized by Rokujo no Miyasudokoro's jealousy and became possessed by her vengeful spirit, she read the Hannya-kyo Sutra (Perfection of Wisdom Sutra) to perform a mizuho (an esoteric rite) and conquered the vengeful spirit.
あるいは、『源氏物語』の葵の上が六条御息所の嫉妬心に悩まされ、その生怨霊にとりつかれた時、般若経を読んで御修法（みずほう）を行い怨霊を退治したから、般若が面の名になったともいわれる。