Ancient Tales and Folk-lore of Japan

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Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Ancient Tales and Folk-lore of Japan

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Richard Gordon Smith presents fifty-seven historical legends and folktales from Japan, collected during his early twentieth-century travels. This volume blends supernatural encounters with moral lessons, offering a vivid glimpse into Japanese culture, history, and the enduring spirit of its people.

Summary up to 500 words

Compiled from Richard Gordon Smith's diaries kept over twenty years of travel and natural history research in Japan, *Ancient Tales and Folk-lore of Japan* offers a rich tapestry of historical legends and folktales that capture the essence of Japanese culture. The collection ranges from poignant human dramas to miraculous supernatural events, reflecting the values, beliefs, and spiritual life of Japan's past. One central narrative follows O Ko San, a girl in Sendai who dies of longing for her unknown betrothed, only to be reunited with his spirit after his arrival years later. Another story features a mysterious hermit who cures a village of afflicted children, revealing his magical powers before vanishing into a cave on Mount Norikuradake. The book also recounts the legend of a sacred camphor tree spared from being cut down for the Shogun's palace; its caretaker commits suicide to protect it, and his spirit subsequently haunts the contractor who ordered its felling. Smith's preface highlights his gratitude to the Japanese people for their hospitality and the insights gained from their oral traditions. The volume serves as both an ethnological record and a treasury of timeless stories involving spirits, gods, reincarnation, and moral tests. It includes legends of famous places like Mount Norikuradake and Lake Biwa, as well as tales of brave warriors, devoted servants, and mystical beings. Through these narratives, Smith presents a vivid picture of a society where faithfulness, nature's power, and the boundary between the human and spiritual worlds are deeply intertwined.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/richard-gordon-smith_ancient-tales-and-folk-lore-of-japan.epub

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Categories

• Folklore
• Japan