Subject
Tales -- Japan Books
Best books
James S. (James Seguin) De Benneville
Bakemono Yashiki (The Haunted House), Retold from the Japanese Originals Tales of the Tokugawa, Volume 2 (of 2)
"Bakemono Yashiki (The Haunted House), Retold from the Japanese Originals" by James S. De Benneville is a collection of supernatural tales that draw from Japanese folklore, likely composed during the early 20th century. It explores the eerie and the supernatural within the setting of Edo, entwining historical elements with themes of ghostly apparitions, societal hierarchy, and cultural practices. Core characters include Rokuzo, a good-natured servant, and Aoyama Shu[u]zen, who navigate the complexities of their world interlaced with dark and unsettling supernatural happenings. At the start of the book, the narrative introduces Rokuzo, a servant who contemplates his day as he travels home, reflecting on his thirst and social environment. He encounters a beautiful young woman struggling with a heavy burden, which he gallantly offers to help carry. This eventually leads him to a lavish residence where he is treated well, indulged in wine and food, but finds himself caught in a confusing and surreal situation marked by the supernatural. The beginning sets the tone for a world where the boundary between the mundane and the spectral is thin, inviting readers into tales that blend everyday life with Japan's rich tradition of ghost stories.
James S. (James Seguin) De Benneville
The Yotsuya Kwaidan or O'Iwa Inari Tales of the Tokugawa, Volume 1 (of 2)
"The Yotsuya Kwaidan or O'Iwa Inari" by James S. De Benneville is a fictional work, likely written in the early 20th century. This tale explores themes of love, betrayal, and the haunting consequences of vengeful spirits, centering around the character O'Iwa, who becomes a tragic figure driven by rage after experiencing deep betrayal from those she loved. The narrative is entrenched in Japanese folklore and offers insight into the traditional concepts of ghosts and their interactions with the living. The opening of "The Yotsuya Kwaidan" introduces the setting of Edo during the Tokugawa period, where the shrine of O'Iwa Inari stands as a testament to the belief in the supernatural. O'Iwa, a figure caught in a tragic web of betrayal, is poised to exact vengeance on those who conspire against her. The narrative explains the social context of her story, delving into the bureaucratic life of minor officials and hinting at the underlying tensions and intrigues that pervade their world. As we are introduced to O'Iwa's backstory and the dynamics of her relationships, the stage is set for the unfolding drama that intertwines love, tragedy, and the inevitable desire for revenge.
Lafcadio Hearn
The Romance of the Milky Way, and Other Studies & Stories
"The Romance of the Milky Way, and Other Studies & Stories" by Lafcadio Hearn is a collection of short stories and essays written in the early 20th century. This volume includes Hearn's reflections on Japanese culture, folklore, and the human experience, expressed through rich and lyrical prose. The titular story dives into the enchanting Tanabata festival, exploring themes of love and longing in the myth of the Weaver and the Cowherd, symbolized by the stars. The opening of the work begins with a poetic description of the Tanabata festival, which is rooted in an ancient legend about two celestial beings, Hikoboshi and Tanabata, who can meet only once a year across the Milky Way. It paints a vivid picture of the festival's customs and the significance of color and poetry associated with it. Hearn effectively blends elements of Japanese culture and lore, such as the offerings made to the deities and the heartfelt emotions tied to the festival, immediately setting a tone of nostalgia and romance that resonates throughout the narrative. The readers are introduced to the mythic backdrop that romanticizes the star-crossed lovers, hinting at deeper themes of desire and separation that permeate the collection.
Mary F. Nixon-Roulet
Japanese folk stories and fairy tales
"Japanese Folk Stories and Fairy Tales" by Mary F. Nixon-Roulet is a collection of folk tales written in the early 20th century. This anthology presents a selection of traditional Japanese stories that often feature themes of kindness, bravery, and the interaction between humans and supernatural beings. Each tale introduces various characters, such as noble heroes, lovely princesses, and benevolent spirits, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Japan. At the start of the collection, the opening tale, "The Choice of the Princess," introduces a beautiful but willful princess named Yakami who is unwilling to marry. When her counselors summon suitors from across the land, it is the youngest of eighty-one brothers, who is kind-hearted and gentle, that captures the attention of the princess—not through bravado, but through his compassion for a wounded hare. This tale sets the tone for the collection, emphasizing the virtues of a kind heart and true character in the face of societal expectations and familial pressures. The opening portion resonates with the overarching themes of love, selflessness, and the wisdom found in humility, creating a captivating introduction to the collection.
Ignácz Kúnos
Nippon-ország naposkertje : $b Japán népmesék
"Nippon-ország naposkertje: Japán népmesék" by Kúnos Ignác is a collection of Japanese folk tales written in the early 20th century. This volume features a rich tapestry of narratives that showcase unique characters and moral lessons, often touched with elements of magic and adventure. The stories take readers deep into the essence of Japanese folklore, presenting various themes including bravery, friendship, and the consequences of greed. The opening of this collection introduces readers to the enchanting world of Japan through vivid and lyrical illustrations of nature, establishing a magical ambiance. The initial tales focus on whimsical characters such as frogs and mystical creatures, highlighting their adventures and interactions that reveal deeper life truths. For instance, two frogs from Tokyo and Kyoto set off on a journey to meet each other, only to comically discover they had both dreamed of the same adventure. Other stories, such as that of Momotaro, explore themes of bravery, strength, and the importance of companionship in the face of challenges, setting the stage for a delightful exploration of Japan's rich narrative tradition.
Basil Hall Chamberlain
Aino Folk-Tales
"Aino Folk-Tales" by Basil Hall Chamberlain is a collection of traditional folk tales from the Ainu people, written in the late 19th century. This work not only presents these stories but also provides insights into the culture, beliefs, and worldview of the Aino, an indigenous group in Japan. It follows various mythic characters, animals, and gods, revealing themes of morality, nature, and the supernatural woven through their narratives. At the start of the collection, Chamberlain sets the stage by introducing the Ainos and their historical context, drawing attention to their unique traits and the gradual encroachment of Japanese culture. He then shares some brief narratives, including folktales that explain natural phenomena, illustrate moral lessons, and provide whimsical accounts of human-animal interactions. Stories about the origins of various animals, how certain natural features came to be, and moral tales like “The Kind Giver and the Grudging Giver” explore the Aino perspective on society and nature, emphasizing interpersonal relationships and moral choices. Through these tales, readers gain a deeper appreciation of Aino folklore and its significance in understanding this fascinating culture.
Claudius Ferrand
Fables et légendes du Japon
"Fables et légendes du Japon" by Claudius Ferrand is a collection of traditional Japanese tales written in the late 19th century. The book features various stories that explore themes of morality, nature, and the supernatural, often incorporating elements of folklore and myth. Among its characters, the collection introduces figures like Ourashima Taro, a noble fisherman, who embarks on a fantastical journey after rescuing a tortoise. The opening of the work begins with the story of Ourashima Taro, who saves a tortoise from a group of boys tormenting it. Grateful for his kindness, the tortoise transforms and takes Taro to the undersea palace of Otohimé, the sea goddess. Taro experiences seven days of lavish hospitality, oblivious to the passage of time. Ultimately, he leaves with a mysterious box from the goddess, but when he realizes that centuries have passed since his departure and he is now alone, he succumbs to despair and opens the box, leading to his tragic demise. This introductory tale sets the tone for the moral and thought-provoking nature of the subsequent stories in the collection.
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