JM - Japanese Tricksters and Other Tales Lesson

Mythology_Lesson_TopBanner.png Japanese Tricksters and Other Tales

Trickster Figures

The trickster figure appears in the myths of many cultures. In Japanese mythology, the kitsune and the tanuki are two of these figures that cause trouble for humans. Read about each of these below.

Reading Assignment: The Tanuki

The tanuki is a Japanese raccoon dog found in myths throughout Japanese culture. They are know for shapeshifting and trickery, but can also be forgetful and gullible. Japanese culture displays statues of tanuki in many places, such as outside of restaurants and/or temples. They are often portrayed as having large bellies and wearing big straw hats, carrying bottles of Japanese wine, called sake. Read the following tanuki stories below.

Click here to read The Tanuki Links to an external site. 

The Kitsune

The Kitsune 

Kitsune (狐IPA:[kitsɯne] is the Japanese word for fox. Foxes are a common subject of Japanese folklore; in English, kitsune  refers to them in this context. Stories depict them as intelligent beings and as possessing magical abilities that increase with their age and wisdom. Foremost among these is the ability to assume human form. While some folktales speak of kitsune employing this ability to trick others—as foxes in folklore often do—other stories portray them as faithful guardians, friends, lovers, and wives.

Foxes and human beings lived close together in ancient Japan; this companionship gave rise to legends about the creatures. Kitsune have become closely associated with Inari, a Shinto kami  or spirit, and serve as its messengers. This role has reinforced the fox's supernatural significance. The more tails a kitsune has—they may have as many as nine—the older, wiser, and more powerful it is. Because of their potential power and influence, some people make offerings to them as to a deity. Read more about the kitsune by following the "source" link below.

Other Tales

The First Emperor

image of Japanese emperor The first emperor of Japan is believed to be Emperor Jimmu. He is said to be a descendent of the sun goddess Amaterasu. Japan celebrates its foundation day on February 11th, because this is the day that Emperor Jimmu was crowned. Read more about Emperor Jimmu using the following link.

Questions to Ponder: 

  • How is Japan's emperor like the pharaoh of Egypt?
  • How are they different?

  

The Namazu

Tricksters Namazu.jpeg Japanese mythology is rich in stories of history, as well as creatures, gods, and goddesses. One of the well-known creatures of Japanese mythology is the Namazu. This creature is a giant catfish that is believed to cause earthquakes. The god Kashima controls Namazu by keeping him pressed under a rock. When the rock is not secure, Namazu can move and flail, causing earthquakes.

 

Reading Assignment: Uraschimataro and the Turtle

Japanese mythology uses animals in many stories. Read the story below about Uraschimataro and the Turtle. Be sure to take note of how animals are portrayed in this selection, compared to the others in this unit.

Click here to Uraschimataro and the Turtle Links to an external site. 

Review

Review the lesson material with the activity below. 

 

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