Reading Notes : Japanese Mythology , Part B
Story: Japanese Mythology
Author: E. W. Champney and F. Champney
Yamato got bored of his wife, and went off in search of more exciting things -- such as large beasts to hunt and the mermaid he'd seen in the past. He followed a dragon and found his mermaid/siren. She was Benten, Goddess of Deathless Love.
In her grotto Yamato feasted on sake and fruits. Translucent shells reflected. Yamato, the cheater, wanted Benten's love and she pointed him to a quest. “Gain the Golden Apple of Immortal Youth, and thereafter shalt thou dwell with me in unending love.”
Another story theme that bridges cultures -- the Tree of Life, called here as the Tree of Youth Immortal. This tree bore the apple.
Yamato's search for the apple was fruitless (pun!). A demon boar came to Yamato's attention, and the priestess handed him the sacred sword to kill it. He defeated it despite his lack of thinking costing him his horse.
Next his wife Tachibana saves him from fires. Only for Yamato to say after hearing the siren song -- “hide thy visage until thy flame-singed tresses have grown anew and thy scorched skin hath regained its satin lustre, for verily thou art hideous in my sight.”
The siren is Susanoo's daughter, hoping to trick Yamato of the Sacred Sword. She succeeded. Then somehow a goddess made it appear on a deer's antlers?
Tachibana was revealed to be his goddess. He returned to her, and found her attempting to exorcise Susanoo. In the end they win, but she drowns to save him.
Comments
Post a Comment