Momotaro
Do you know old Japanese stories? And do you know what is "oni," which appears in them? Oni is a monster which is very very big and has red or blue body. They have horns and wear yellow stripe trunks, and shake their serrated clubs at people. So it's a scary monster. They are in, for example, Issun-boushi, Kobutori-jiisan, Momotaro and other stories.
Momotaro is the most popular story. A long time ago, old couple lived somewhere. Husband was gathering firewood in mountain. On the other hand, wife was on the river to wash the laundry. Then, a very very big peace was floating on the water! She was surprised and took it home. The husband cut it, then... Surprisingly, little baby was in there. They named him Momotaro and brought him up. One day Momotaro heard that oni was violent in village. Villagers had a trouble. He decided to get rid of oni. On his way to go to Onigashima where oni lived, he met partners. They were dog, monkey, pheasant. He knocked down violent oni. Peace returned in village thanks to Momotaro, dog, monkey, pheasant.
That is to say, oni is villain. But modern children may not know stories in which oni appear. Poor thing...
Posted by Yukkarin
posted by kozakaiSHS @ 2:18 AM
10 comments
10 Comments:
Hi Yukkarin
I like your ancient story.I think every culture has this kind of stories.
Your English is great.Some people are very talented about learing foreign languages.You should be one of them.Good for you!! Please keep writing.
Elif
I think the Momotaro story is very familiar to someone who knows Japanese culture and it's good to use this story to let people know about Japan.
If I remember correctly, I'd saw the story in a Japanese animation when I was young (maybe 20 years ago). It's easy to let people understand what's loyalty and the treasure of friendship through the story. Really a good choice.
By the way, are you sure to use "peace" for "momo" is correct? I think you want to use "peach" but did a typo error?
Momotaro is been found in a momo, and that's the reason why he is called Momotaro. If you can describe this connection better I believe it would make people to be more interested on the story.
Just my two cents. :)
I mistyped it! Yes, "peach" is correct. As h.t. chien explained, Momotaro was found in a peach(momo) and that's why he was named Momotaro. Taro is a common name for a boy.
The students asked me to post this for them, and I made a mistake. I'm sorry!
Dear Yukkarin,
You told the Momotaro story very well. I always try to have my students tell stories from their home country. They really enjoy reading the stories that their classmates write. They often say, "We have this story, too," just like your first comment writer said. Nice job!
To H.T.Chien
Thank you to your comment. In Japan, Momotaro is not loyalty and treasure of friendship story. Maybe it is other story. Or they changed the story in the anime.
To Elif
Thank you to your comment. We are not so good at English. Teacher corrected. In Japan, There is a lot of ancient story. Please reading. and please tell me your country's story.
To jean
Thank you to your comment. Tell me your country's story. Tell your student this story, too.
Dear Yukarin
We have a lot of ancient stories in Turkey.I want to write you a very famous one.
It's name is;"Dede Korkut and the Angel of Death"
Dede Korkut was the breavest and prideful warrior of his time.He considered himself invincible in the land,and challenged all creation to defeat him and his brave young men in combat.
God heard his words and was displeased with his pride.So He sent him Azrail,the Angel of Death to take his soul.
Azrail came to Dede Korkut as he was feasting in his palace and stood before him without saying a word.Dede Korkut said;"I didn't see you come in,who are you?"
The angel replied;"I am not one to ask permission from you.I came to teach you a lesson."
Dede Korkut got angry and ordered that the visitor be caught,but the angel changed himself into a bird and flew out through the chimney.
Dede Korkut and his friends got their horses and rushed out to find the strange bird.After a while Dede Korkut found himself lost in the middle of the forest and the angle suddenly appeared again in front of him."I got you now!"exclaimed Dede Korkut."No"said the angel."I got you",and he brought Dede Korkut down from his horse and stood on his chest,pinning him to the ground.Dede Korkut was scared so much by the angel.The angel was too strong that he could hardly breath.He began to cry and said;"I feel weaker than I ever felt before.What did you do to me?"
Azrail said;"I am the angel of death,so prepare yourself to leave this life."
Dede Korkut apologized and asked the angel to give him more time to live.Azrail said;"Do not apologize to me.I am a creature like you,and I only follow orders from God."
Dede Korkut said;"Then get out of my way,and stop wasting my time!"And he began to pray to God;"Forgive my boasting,O my God!and give me another chance,as I apologize for offending you.You are the Almighty over your creation."
God liked Dede's words and instructed Azrail to give him a respite.Azrail said;"God has decided to let you live on one condition that you find someone else to die in your place."Dede Korkut thought ;"I will ask my father,he is old and will not refuse me."He went to him and told him his story,but he replied;"O my son!I worked like a slave during my entire life in order to enjoy my old age.I am sorry,but I am not ready to die in your place."Dede Korkut thought;"Surely my mother will not refuse me."He went to her but she said;"O my son!I gave my life to you many times already,when I gave you a birth,fed you,raised you and took care of you.Now the rest of my life belongs at your father's side,as company for his old age."
Dede Korkut was very disappointed and upset and he went home,resigned to die.When his young wife saw his sadness,she asked what troubled him and he said;"O my beloved wife!the Angel of Death is about to come and take my life unless I find someone else willing to die in my place,and my own father and mother have refused me,so who can I find now?"His wife answered;"O my beloved husband!why didn't you ask me?I am happy to give you what ever your father and mother cannot give you.Take my life so that yours can be spared."
When Dede Korkut ,the Fierce Warrior heard these words,his heart melted and tears came to his eyes.He turned to God and said;"O my Lord!forgive me,take my life and spare my wife,for she is worthier and braver than me."God was again pleased to hear those words,and he decided to spare both Dede Korkut and his wife.Instead,He sent Azrail to take the life of his parents as they had been blessed with a long and happy life.
Dear Yukkarin I know this a long story but I hope you like it.
Bye now!!!
Elif
Dear Yakkarin:
No, it's the same story as you told in this article. It might be my bad memory on the story about royalty and friendship because it's already 20 years ago when I read it.
By the way, it's good to see your response. Keep on writing and I believe you will have better English ability.
Best regards,
H.T.
Sorry, my mistyping. It should be "It might be my bad memory on the story about loyalty and friendship"....
I've read that story, Momotaro! However, have you ever tried reading a story in English instead?
Momotaro, can you tell me any stories about Tengu?
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