The earliest recorded version of the legend dates to the eighth century.The play however apparently combines two legends, one concerning the origins of the Suruga Dance (Suruga-mai) and another the descent of an angel onto Udo Beach. A parallel story may also be found in the 14th volume of the fifth-century Sou-shen chi. A poem by the 11th century poet Nōin is quoted.
The authorship of the Noh play Hagoromo is unknown.The earliest references to the play in historical records date to 1524, which suggests that it was written well after Zeami's time.