Long ago in Japan, a poor, elderly couple discover a large peach and, in it, the child they have always desired. They name him Momotaro – Peach Boy. As he grows up, the lad vows to protect his village from the oni monsters who steal our things and frighten our people. Once upon a time there lived an old man an old woman in the country of Okayama. The old man went everyday into the mountains to cut wood, while his […]
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The Inch-High child fancying himself a miniture samurai, Issun-Bōshi is given a sewing needle for a sword, a soup bowl for a boat, and chopsticks for oars.
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In the Crab and the Monkey, a monkey kills a crab, and is later killed in revenge by the crab’s offspring. Retributive justice is the theme of the story.
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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 […]
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Hanasaka Jiisan, also known as “The Old Man Who Made Flowers Bloom,” is a popular Japanese folktale that carries a heartwarming message about the power of kindness and gratitude. It tells the story of an old man, a group of animals, and a magical tree. Here is the story: Once upon a time, in a small village in Japan, there lived an elderly man named Hanasaka Jiisan. Despite his old age, Hanasaka Jiisan was known for his kind and generous […]
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The story of “The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl,” also known as “The Legend of the Milky Way,” is a beautiful Chinese folk tale that dates back thousands of years. In ancient China, there was a young cowherd named Niu Lang who lived a simple and humble life. He spent his days tending to his cattle and found solace in the serene beauty of the countryside. One day, while Niu Lang was herding his cows near a heavenly river, he […]
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The Blemmyae, also known as the Headless Chest-Faced Men, are fascinating creatures deeply rooted in ancient Greek and Roman mythology. These enigmatic beings are characterized by their distinctive appearance, with their faces situated on their chests rather than atop their shoulders. Their unique physiology and mysterious nature have made them a subject of intrigue and speculation throughout history. The legends of the Blemmyae can be traced back to ancient accounts, with references found in various texts and works. Greek historian […]
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In ancient Chinese mythology, the tale of Chang’e and Hou Yi is a captivating legend that has been cherished for centuries. The story unfolds in a time when the world was plagued by an unprecedented crisis – ten suns that took turns scorching the earth, causing devastating droughts, famine, and suffering. The people cried out for a hero to save them from this calamity, and Hou Yi, a skilled archer, emerged as their savior. Hou Yi was renowned for his […]
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Xian, in Chinese Daoism, an immortal who has achieved divinity through devotion to Daoist practices and teachings. The Ba Xian, or Eight Immortals, are a group of legendary heroes that fight for justice and vanquish evil. According to myth, the Ba Xian lived in the middle of the Bohai Sea on Penglai Mountain which was situated on a beautiful, paradise-like island. Only the Ba Xian were able to travel to the island since the water around it was “weak” and […]
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As ambiguous as she is hideous, Baba Yaga is an anomaly – both a maternal, mother-nature figure and an evil villain who enjoys eating those who fail to complete her tasks. Though the origins of her name are as unclear as her purpose tends to be, it is believed that baba means something akin to “old woman” or “grandmother”, while yaga has conflicting theories of meaning ranging from “snake” to “wicked.” Regardless, even Baba Yaga’s name emphasizes the strangeness of […]
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