The Tale of Princess Kaguya: The World’s Oldest Epic!

Did you know that the traditional Japanese folklore “The Tale of Princess Kaguya” is recognized as one of the world’s earliest epic stories? The story has been told and retold many times, making it a big part of Japanese culture. People love it because it’s a magical fairy tale, with Princess Kaguya coming from the moon and bringing mystery and wonder to Earth. Let’s explore this well-known literary masterpiece together.

What is the story about?

The “Tale of Princess Kaguya”, also known as “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter”, is a famous Japanese story from the Heian period (794-1185). The story captures the imagination with its enchanting plot and the charming, mysterious Princess Kaguya, a beloved figure in Japanese folklore.

This story begins with an old man and his wife living happily in a peaceful bamboo grove. The old man cuts bamboo for a living. One day, he finds a glowing bamboo stalk and discovers a beautiful, tiny girl inside. They name her Princess Kaguya and raise her with love. 

As Princess Kaguya grew, the family found gold inside the bamboo stalks and became rich. Her beauty attracted many suitors, but she assigned them impossible tasks, ensuring none could succeed. Even the Emperor tried to marry her, but she declined and revealed her origins from the moon. 

When the full moon came, heavenly beings arrived to take her back. Despite the Emperor’s soldiers’ efforts to protect her, they fell into a deep sleep. As a result, Princess Kaguya was able to return to her true home on the moon.

What are the most common themes in the tale of Princess Kaguya?

The difficulties of tradition

In the tale of Princess Kaguya, one central theme is the struggle with tradition. The old bamboo cutter and his wife were used to a simple and happy life. But when Princess Kaguya appeared, everything changed. They suddenly became wealthy from the glowing bamboo, and having such a beautiful daughter brought new problems. Many suitors came, each trying to win Kaguya’s hand by completing arduous tasks. This shows how traditions and what society expects can become challenging, especially when they don’t match personal desires or circumstances.

The importance of love

The tale of Princess Kaguya shows that love is more than just romance. It’s also about real connection and understanding. Even though she had many wealthy suitors and the Emperor wanted to marry her, Kaguya didn’t let their feelings change her mind. She loved her earthly parents very much and was sad to leave them. Her true love was for her home on the moon, and in the end, she had to go back there. This story teaches us that love means having strong feelings and being true to yourself, even when making tough decisions.

Earthly desires versus celestial destiny

Kaguya’s time on Earth brought her comfort and luxury. However, it was clear from the beginning that she was destined for the moon. Even though she was beautiful and brought wealth, she couldn’t stay because her natural home was up there. The Emperor’s attempts to keep her on Earth highlight the clash between wanting to hold onto what is precious and accepting fate. Also, her return to the moon shows that sometimes, even if we don’t want to, we must follow our true path and accept our destiny.

Are you looking for great snacks to enjoy while reading Japanese folklore? Check out Sakuraco! Sakuraco sends traditional Japanese sweets & snacks, including chocolate, from across Japan to your door.

Are there any famous adaptations of the story?

This 10th-century Japanese story has inspired many unique adaptations over the years. One of the most renowned is a 2013 animated film by Studio Ghibli titled The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. The film, created by Isao Takahata, came out in Japan in November 2013.

Studio Ghibli, known for other beloved films like My Neighbor Totoro, brought this ancient tale to life with stunning, hand-drawn animation resembling a flowing traditional Japanese brush or watercolor painting. This adaptation beautifully blends old Japanese folklore with modern animation techniques, making it a timeless treasure for young viewers and adults alike.

In addition, the film was also the priciest Japanese film ever made at that time, with a cost of around 49.3 million USD. It was so well received that it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Why is the tale of Princess Kaguya important?

The tale of Princess Kaguya is important because it is one of the world’s oldest and most enchanting stories. It brings together themes of tradition, love, and destiny in a magical way that has captivated audiences for centuries. Through its many adaptations, including the beautiful Studio Ghibli film, this story continues to inspire and touch hearts worldwide. This legendary tale reminds us about the power of staying true to ourselves and the beauty of enduring folklore. How does this story make you feel? Let me know in the comments!