Shitakiri Suzume – The Tongue-Cut Sparrow
Shitakiri Suzume, also known as “The Tongue-Cut Sparrow,” is a popular Japanese folktale that has been passed down through generations. It tells the story of a kind-hearted old man, a greedy wife, and a magical sparrow. Here is the story:
Once upon a time, in a small village nestled in the mountains of Japan, there lived an old man and his wife. The old man was known for his gentle nature and compassion towards all living creatures. One day, as he was working in his garden, he discovered a wounded sparrow caught in a trap.
Filled with sympathy, the old man carefully freed the sparrow from the trap and tended to its injuries. Grateful for his kindness, the sparrow chirped and fluttered its wings before flying away. Little did the old man know that this simple act of kindness would soon change his life.
As days passed, the old man’s heart became heavy with worry. His wife, driven by greed and jealousy, had become consumed by envy towards the sparrow. She scolded her husband for helping the bird, fearing it might bring them bad luck or steal their fortune. Ignoring her husband’s pleas, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
One day, when the old man was away, the wife caught the sparrow and cruelly cut off its tongue, believing it would prevent the bird from returning. But as soon as she released the sparrow, it flew off into the sky, leaving behind a trail of blood.
When the old man returned home, he was devastated to find the injured sparrow gone. However, his grief turned into surprise when he discovered a small wooden box left by the sparrow. Inside the box, he found treasures and riches beyond his wildest dreams.
Word of the old man’s sudden wealth spread throughout the village, and people marveled at his good fortune. However, the old man’s wife, consumed by guilt and remorse, confessed to her cruel actions and revealed the truth about the sparrow. Realizing the depth of her wrongdoing, she begged for forgiveness.
The old man, wise and forgiving, listened to his wife’s plea. He decided to search for the sparrow and make amends for the harm caused. With a heavy heart, he journeyed through mountains and forests, calling out to the injured sparrow.
After days of searching, the old man finally found the sparrow perched on a tree branch. With tears in his eyes, he apologized for his wife’s actions and expressed his deep regret. Touched by his sincerity, the sparrow forgave him and agreed to help.
The sparrow guided the old man to a magical pool hidden deep in the forest. It instructed him to wash his wife’s mouth with the water from the pool, promising that it would heal her and teach her a valuable lesson. Following the sparrow’s instructions, the old man returned home with the magical water.
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As the old man cleansed his wife’s mouth, a miracle occurred. Her tongue, which had been severed, was restored, and she was able to speak again. Overwhelmed with gratitude and remorse, she vowed to change her ways and embrace kindness and compassion.
From that day forward, the old man and his wife lived harmoniously, sharing their newfound wealth with the village and helping those in need. The tale of Shitakiri Suzume serves as a reminder of the transformative power of forgiveness, kindness, and the importance of empathy towards all living creatures.
Through this folk story, the message of compassion and the consequences of greed are beautifully conveyed, encouraging readers to reflect on their own actions and strive to be kind and empathetic in their interactions with others.