essay about the japanese folktale momotaro

The Legend of Momotaro

Momotarô densetsu folktale.

Momotarô is a very popular hero of the Japanese folklore, whose story was presumably first put in writing during Edo period (1603-1868).

As many tales that were passed down orally during centuries, the original story was probably modified and several versions exist today.

The most frequent rendition

Once upon a time, a woman was washing laundry in the river when she saw a giant peach floating toward her. She brought it back to her husband, and when they opened it, they discovered a child, who explained being sent from Heaven to become their son. They named him Momotarô 桃太郎 ( momo meaning "peach" and Tarô being a very common name for firstborn sons in Japan).

Growing up, Momotaro became very strong, but also very lazy , and spent his days sleeping. One day, he heard that demons were living on Onigashima Island (鬼ヶ島). The villagers urged him to go fight the demons. On the way to the battle, Momotaro met and befriended three animals, a dog, a monkey  🐒 and a pheasant, that could speak human language. The group of four arrived in Onigashima where they defeated the demons.

Momotaro and his friends came back to the village after the capture of the demons’ boss, with its treasures and a large quantity of food . They then lived together happily and rich ever after.

Variation of the tale

The second part of the story is often told the same way, but according to another version of the legend, the childless woman was old. She took a bite of the giant peach, which gave her back immediately her youth and beauty. Her husband was surprised when he came back home, but after hearing her explanations, he also ate the fruit, with the same consequence.

The rejuvenated couple then gave birth to Tarô 太郎, a boy who grew up to meet his parents’ expectations: he was kind, brave, strong and friendly (the perfect role model for children ’s tales!).

Posterity of the legend

During the Second World War, Momotaro was largely used in movies and cartoons as a representation of the Japanese government, the animals being the people, and the demons the United States. Onigashima may have been a symbol of Pearl Harbor.

Nowadays, the legend is often linked to Okayama City, from which it probably originates. The demons’ island is said to be Megijima in Seto Inland Sea, near Takamatsu, a place renowned for its wide caves. Statues of demons were even carved there in reference to the tale.

The legend of Momotaro is a normal encounter in daily life in Japan:

• The children’s song Momotarō-san no Uta (1911) is frequently taught in Japanese schools.
• Inuyama City holds a "Momotaro Festival" at the eponymous shrine each year on May 5, and celebrates the hero throughout the town with Momotaro-related decorations, especially on manholes.
• A Momotaro doll is a common gift for boys on Kodomo no Hi , the children’s day on May 5.

The Japanese popular culture also took over the legend and Momotaro’s character is featured in many manga and video games:

• He appears for example in Akira Toriyama’s Dr Slump ,
• In One Piece , Wanokuni arc and Onigashima battle are direct references to the legend, including the role of the kibi dango  🍡 dumplings,
• In Hozuki no reitetsu ( Hozuki’s Coolheadedness ), Momotaro is first introduced as an opportunist and a bragger. His animal friends become zealous employees of Hell.

It is also possible that Roald Dahl’s novel, and consequently the adapted animated movie James and the Giant Peach (Henry Selick – 1996), were freely inspired from Momotaro’s tale.

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The Japanese Tale of Momotaro | Momotaro Story Summary

The japanese tale of momotaro, introduction:.

In the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore, the legend of Momotaro stands tall as a timeless tale of courage, friendship, and triumph over evil. It revolves around the extraordinary story of a boy who emerged from a giant peach and embarked on a perilous journey to confront demons plaguing the land. This captivating narrative brims with emotions, painting a vivid picture of valor, determination, and the power of unity. Let us delve into the captivating world of Momotaro and his epic battle against the malevolent forces that threatened his homeland.

The Miraculous Birth of Momotaro: A Gift from the Heavens

The tale begins in a small village, where a humble elderly couple discovers a giant peach floating down the river. As they cut open the peach, to their astonishment, a beautiful boy emerges from its core. Overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, the couple names him Momotaro, symbolizing the precious gift they received from the heavens. The emotions of wonder, excitement, and parental love abound as they raise the peach-born boy as their own.

Momotaro’s Childhood: Kindness and Bravery Shine Through

As Momotaro grows, he proves to be a kind-hearted and fearless young boy. The village embraces him, and he becomes a source of inspiration for the other children. The emotions of warmth, camaraderie, and the innocence of childhood friendships are beautifully depicted in this phase of the story. Momotaro’s charisma and natural leadership become evident as he stands up against bullies and helps those in need, earning him the affection of all who know him.

The Call to Adventure: Demons Threaten the Land

One day, as the village faces a terrible crisis, news spreads that demons have invaded the neighboring lands. The malicious creatures are wreaking havoc, stealing crops, and terrorizing the villagers. The emotions of fear, uncertainty, and a growing sense of responsibility grip Momotaro’s heart. Determined to protect his loved ones and his homeland, he resolves to confront the demons and vanquish them once and for all.

The Journey Begins: Allies Found in Unlikely Places

Momotaro sets out on his perilous journey to defeat the demons, armed only with his courage and determination. Along the way, he meets three faithful companions – a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant – each with unique abilities that complement his own. Though from different backgrounds, they forge a deep bond, and the emotions of friendship, trust, and unity come to the fore. Together, they create an unbreakable team, bound by a shared purpose and camaraderie.

Confrontation with the Demons: The Battle of Good vs. Evil

Finally, Momotaro and his loyal companions reach the demons’ stronghold. The emotions of anticipation, trepidation, and adrenaline-fueled excitement fill the air as the epic battle commences. With unwavering determination and the combined strength of his companions, Momotaro confronts the demons head-on, showcasing bravery in the face of overwhelming odds.

Victory and Redemption: The Triumph of Goodness

Through sheer grit and courage, Momotaro and his companions emerge victorious, defeating the demons and driving them out of the land. The emotions of triumph, relief, and redemption reverberate through the village as they welcome the heroes back as saviors. Momotaro’s selfless bravery and his companions’ loyalty become legendary, inspiring generations to come.

What is the Japanese story of Momotaro ?

The Japanese story of Momotaro, often referred to as “Momotaro the Peach Boy,” is a beloved and famous folktale from Japan. It revolves around the extraordinary tale of a boy who is born from a giant peach and goes on a courageous quest to confront and defeat a band of demons that are terrorizing his homeland. Here’s a summary of the story:

Once upon a time, in a small village in Japan, an elderly couple lived. They were kind and loving but longed for a child to call their own. One day, while the old woman was washing clothes in the river, she noticed a massive peach floating downstream. She was amazed and quickly retrieved the peach from the water to take home to her husband.

When the old couple cut open the peach, they were astonished to find a beautiful baby boy nestled inside. They named him Momotaro, which means “Peach Boy” in Japanese and raised him with love and care.

As Momotaro grew older, he became a strong, brave, and kind-hearted young boy, adored by everyone in the village. The village faced a crisis as demons started to appear and terrorize the land, stealing crops and causing havoc. The villagers lived in fear, unsure of how to protect themselves from the malevolent creatures.

One day, Momotaro decided to take a stand against the demons and protect his village. He told his parents about his plan to go on a journey to the island where the demons lived and defeat them. His parents were worried about his safety but knew they had to let him go.

Before leaving, Momotaro’s parents prepared provisions for his journey, including special millet dumplings called “kibi dango.” These dango were meant to give him strength and courage on his quest.

As he set out on his journey, Momotaro encountered a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant, each of whom had also suffered at the hands of the demons. They joined him on his mission, forming a loyal group of companions.

Together, Momotaro and his animal companions faced numerous challenges, including crossing treacherous seas and battling demons along the way. Momotaro’s bravery and the companions’ teamwork led them to the demon’s island.

Upon reaching the demon’s stronghold, a fierce battle ensued. With the help of his loyal companions and the power of the kibi dango, Momotaro defeated the demons, driving them away from the island and restoring peace to the land.

Upon their victorious return, the village celebrated Momotaro and his companions as heroes. The demons’ reign of terror was finally over, thanks to the bravery and determination of the Peach Boy.

The story of Momotaro symbolizes courage, bravery, and the triumph of good over evil. It is a tale that has been cherished in Japan for generations and continues to be a significant part of the country’s cultural heritage.

Who wrote the story of Momotaro ?

The story of Momotaro is part of Japanese folklore and is considered a traditional folktale rather than a work attributed to a specific author. As with many folktales, their origins are not attributed to a single writer but have been passed down orally through generations.

Momotaro’s legend has been a beloved part of Japanese culture for centuries and has been retold in various forms, including picture books, theater performances, and animated films. As with most folktales, the story of Momotaro has evolved over time with contributions from multiple storytellers, making it a cherished and enduring part of Japan’s cultural heritage.

Conclusion:

The Japanese tale of Momotaro, the boy born from a peach, and his battle with demons transcends time, captivating hearts with its profound depiction of human emotions. It serves as a powerful reminder that even the most extraordinary feats can be achieved through courage, friendship, and the unyielding determination to protect what we hold dear. The legend of Momotaro continues to resonate, a timeless beacon of hope and a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

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FAQs of Japanese Momotaro Peach Boy

Momotaro is a legendary figure in Japanese folklore. He is a boy who was born into a giant peach and raised by an elderly couple. Momotaro’s name translates to “Peach Boy” in Japanese.

The main theme of the Japanese tale of Momotaro revolves around courage, bravery, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil. Momotaro embarks on a perilous journey to defeat demons that are terrorizing his homeland, showcasing his bravery and forming strong bonds with his loyal companions.

Momotaro confronted the demons by going on a journey to their island stronghold, accompanied by three loyal animal companions: a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant. With the help of his companions and the power of special millet dumplings called “kibi dango,” Momotaro bravely battled the demons and drove them away, restoring peace to the land.

The Japanese story of Momotaro evokes a range of emotions, including wonder at his miraculous birth, excitement as he grows into a brave young boy, fear and uncertainty as demons threaten the land, warmth and camaraderie as Momotaro forms strong friendships, and triumph and relief as he emerges victorious in the battle against evil.

Yes, the story of Momotaro is a traditional folktale from Japan. It has been passed down through generations and is considered an essential part of Japanese cultural heritage. However, it is not attributed to a specific author as it is a part of oral storytelling and has evolved over time through various retellings.

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Unveiling Eons: Where Myths Breathe and Legends Live — Dive into the heart of ancient tales, explore mythology from across the world, and discover the legends that have shaped our past and continue to inspire our future.

The Myth of Momotaro: The Peach Boy in Japanese Folklore

• Post author: MythologyWorldwide
• Post published: February 26, 2024
• Post category: Blog

Table of Contents

Who is Momotaro?

Momotaro, which translates to “Peach Boy,” is a popular hero in Japanese folklore. He is said to have been born from a giant peach that was found floating down a river by an elderly couple who subsequently raised him as their own.

What is the Story of Momotaro?

According to legend, Momotaro embarked on a quest to defeat a band of ogres that were causing trouble in the region. Along the way, he befriends a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant, who join him on his journey to confront the ogres on their island stronghold.

What is the Moral of the Momotaro Legend?

The Momotaro story emphasizes the virtues of courage, cooperation, and overcoming obstacles through teamwork. It teaches valuable lessons about friendship, bravery, and the importance of working together to achieve common goals.

Why is Momotaro Significant in Japanese Culture?

Momotaro is a beloved figure in Japanese culture, often portrayed as a symbol of strength, resilience, and heroism. The tale of Momotaro has been passed down through generations, showcasing the power of perseverance and unity.

FAQ about The Myth of Momotaro: The Peach Boy in Japanese Folklore

Who is momotaro in japanese folklore.

Momotaro, also known as the Peach Boy, is a popular hero in Japanese folklore who is said to have been born from a giant peach and raised by an elderly couple. He embarks on a journey to defeat demons on an island.

What is the significance of Momotaro in Japanese culture?

Momotaro symbolizes courage, strength, and the triumph of good over evil in Japanese culture. His story teaches valuable lessons about bravery, teamwork, and the importance of helping others.

What are some key elements of the Momotaro myth?

The key elements of the Momotaro myth include his miraculous birth from a peach, his mission to defeat demons with the help of animal companions (a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant), and his eventual victory in bringing peace to the island.

How is the story of Momotaro typically portrayed in Japanese art and media?

The story of Momotaro is frequently portrayed in traditional Japanese art, literature, and popular culture. It has been adapted into various forms such as picture books, plays, animations, and movies, showcasing his heroic adventures to audiences of all ages.

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Momotaro: Peach Boy and Hero of Japanese Folktales

by The Enlightenment Journey ·

Introduction: Momotaro, a beloved hero of Japanese folktales

Momotaro, also known as Peach Boy, is a cherished hero in Japanese folklore. This legendary character has captivated the hearts of both children and adults for centuries with his brave and noble deeds. The tale of Momotaro has become an integral part of Japanese culture, often taught to young children to instill moral values and inspire courage. With its origins deeply rooted in ancient folklore, Momotaro’s story continues to be retold and cherished in various forms of art, literature, and popular media.

Origin: Discover the ancient origins of the Momotaro legend

The origins of the Momotaro legend can be traced back to ancient Japan. The earliest known written record of Momotaro dates back to the Muromachi period (1336-1573), in a collection of Japanese folktales called "Otogi-zoshi." However, the legend itself is believed to have existed long before it was recorded in writing. The exact origins of Momotaro are shrouded in mystery, but it is widely believed that the tale was passed down through oral tradition for generations before being documented.

The Legend: Explore the captivating story of Momotaro’s birth

The legend of Momotaro tells the tale of a boy who was born from a giant peach floating down a river. An elderly couple discovers the peach and upon opening it, finds a baby boy inside. They name him Momotaro, meaning "Peach Boy," and raise him as their own. As he grows older, Momotaro becomes aware of the trouble caused by a band of ogres who constantly raid nearby villages. Determined to protect his people, Momotaro embarks on a courageous journey to defeat the ogres and bring peace to the land.

Momotaro’s Adventures: A thrilling account of his heroic quests

Momotaro’s adventures take him to the distant island inhabited by the ogres. On his journey, he befriends various talking animals, including a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant, who join him in his quest. Together, they face numerous challenges and obstacles, including a treacherous sea and fierce monsters. With their combined strength and bravery, Momotaro and his companions successfully defeat the ogres, retrieve the stolen treasures, and return triumphantly to their village.

Symbolism: Unravel the symbolic elements embedded in the tale

The Momotaro legend is rich in symbolism, representing various virtues and values. The peach, from which Momotaro is born, symbolizes purity and fertility. It is often seen as a divine gift, showing the blessed nature of Momotaro’s birth. The animals that accompany Momotaro on his journey, such as the dog, monkey, and pheasant, symbolize loyalty, wisdom, and courage respectively. These animals serve as not only companions but also as representations of the qualities necessary to overcome challenges and achieve success.

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Cultural significance: understand momotaro’s role in japanese culture.

Momotaro holds a significant place in Japanese culture, revered as a symbol of heroism and righteousness. The tale of Momotaro has been passed down through generations, serving as a moral lesson for children. It teaches the values of bravery, loyalty, and determination, instilling in young minds the importance of standing up for what is right. Momotaro’s story is often used to promote unity and camaraderie within communities, emphasizing the power of collaboration and collective action.

Themes: Analyzing the themes of bravery, loyalty, and determination

Bravery, loyalty, and determination are central themes in the Momotaro legend. Momotaro exemplifies bravery by embarking on a perilous journey to confront the ogres and protect his village. His companions, the dog, monkey, and pheasant, demonstrate unwavering loyalty by standing by his side throughout the challenges they encounter. Determination is evident in Momotaro’s unwavering resolve to succeed, despite the daunting obstacles he faces. These themes resonate with audiences of all ages, emphasizing the importance of these virtues in overcoming adversity.

Influences: Explore how Momotaro has impacted art and literature

The tale of Momotaro has had a profound impact on Japanese art and literature. It has inspired numerous paintings, woodblock prints, and illustrations depicting key scenes from the legend. Artists have used their creative talents to bring Momotaro’s adventures to life, allowing audiences to visually experience the hero’s journey. In literature, Momotaro’s story has been retold and adapted in various forms, including children’s books, novels, and manga. These adaptations often add new layers to the tale, further captivating readers and keeping Momotaro’s legacy alive.

Adaptations: Discover popular adaptations of the Momotaro legend

Over the years, the Momotaro legend has been adapted into various forms of media, including films, animations, and theater productions. One notable adaptation is the 1918 silent film "Momotaro" by director Tsunekichi Shibata, which is considered one of the earliest surviving Japanese films. In recent years, Momotaro has also been featured in popular animated films, including "Momotaro’s Divine Sea Warriors" (1945) and "Momotaro, Sacred Sailors" (1945), both of which were propaganda films during World War II.

Legacy: Examining Momotaro’s enduring legacy in Japanese folklore

Momotaro’s legacy as a beloved hero in Japanese folklore is undeniable. His story continues to be cherished and celebrated, passed down from generation to generation. Momotaro’s image and name are widely recognized in Japan, often depicted in various forms of media and merchandise. The enduring popularity of Momotaro highlights the timeless appeal of his character and the universal values he represents.

Similar Folktales: Discover other beloved heroes in Japanese folklore

Japanese folklore is rich with stories of heroic figures, and Momotaro is just one of many beloved characters. Other notable heroes include Kintaro, a boy with superhuman strength raised in the mountains, and Urashima Taro, a fisherman who visits the underwater palace of the Dragon God. These folktales share similar themes of bravery, loyalty, and determination, showcasing the enduring popularity of heroic narratives in Japanese culture.

Conclusion: The lasting appeal of Momotaro and his timeless message

Momotaro, the Peach Boy and Hero of Japanese Folktales, continues to capture the imagination of audiences young and old. His tale of bravery, loyalty, and determination has become an integral part of Japanese culture, teaching valuable moral lessons and inspiring generations. Momotaro’s legacy lives on through various adaptations in art, literature, and popular media, ensuring that his timeless message endures. As long as there are stories to be told, Momotaro will remain a beloved figure, representing the enduring power of heroism and the triumph of good over evil.

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The Story of Momotarō

• Japanese Culture

Okayama City in the Chūgoku region is renowned for its white peaches and the folklore hero Momotarō (桃太郎), the Peach Boy. Several films, books, animated shows, and other media have featured the legendary hero. Each year on the 5th of May, the Momotarō Festival is held in the Momotarō Shrine in Inuyama, Japan. He is a much loved character who exemplifies bravery and honesty.

The story goes . . .

There was once an old man and his wife who lived in a small village. One day, the wife saw a gigantic peach floating down the river. She took the peach and brought it home with her. As the husband and wife were about to cut into the peach to eat it, a small boy emerged from the fruit. The childless couple were overjoyed to see the boy, named him Momotarō , and decided to raise him as their own.

Illustration from Momotaro, of Little Peachling, published in 1885.

Still, Momotarō asked his parents to let him fight the oni and free the helpless villagers from this monstrosity. His parents finally relented. Momotarō’s mother made him some Japanese dumplings from millet flour ( kibidango) .

On his way to fight the oni, Momotarō came across a dog who asked him what he was carrying. Momotarō told the dog he was on his way to Onigashima and he was carrying the most delicious kibidango in all of Japan. On hearing this, the dog went with Momotarō to help him fight the oni in exchange for some kibidango. Further along, Momotarō encountered a pheasant and a monkey who also agreed to help him fight the oni for some kibidango.

The determined foursome grew strong upon eating the superb kibidango and easily defeated the oni, who promised never to attack the villagers again. Momotarō gave all the oni’s stolen treasures back to the villagers. The people were so grateful to Momotarō and his companions that they named their main street after him. The people of Okayama also erected statues of Momotarō and his faithful companions to remind future generations of their great deed.

More classic Japanese folktales .

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USC Digital Folklore Archives

A database of folklore performances, the story of momotaro–a japanese tale.

Main Piece: This is a Japanese tale my friend told me about.

Long ago an elderly couple who lived in the mountains were doing their laundry as usual, and the grandmother saw a huge peach floating in the river, the grandmother took the peach home and cut it to eat it. But a baby boy came out from the peach. They named the baby boy Momotaro (momo= peach Taro= a very classic name for boys). The boy grew so fast and very strong. One day. Momotaro said to the elderly couple he will go to the devils’ island to defeat the devils. The elderly couple gave Momotaro dumplings (きびだんご）so he could eat it on the trip. On the way to the island, he met a dog and a monkey. Momotaro gave them きびだんご　and they joined him to the island. Later on, he met a pheasant , also gave it a きびだんご　and it also joined the party. The crew grew (like avengers). They all successfully arrived at the devil’s island and cooperated with animals to get rid of the devils. He went back to his house and lived with the grandpa and grandma happily ever after.

Background:

My informant is a 25-year-old Japanese woman who grew up mostly in Hong Kong and Korea. She currently works in Japan. AI remembers hearing about this story on TV program about Japanese folktales. She isn’t sure if they tell this story in Japanese schools because she didn’t attend school in Japan. She says the story doesn’t mean much to her and it’s a popular tale in Japan. AI is also not sure of the meaning, but she thinks it has to do with working together to fight your devils.

I don’t know any Japanese tales, but I have always been interested in Japanese culture and language. I think this story about a boy working with other animals to defeat the devil is an important message, if this is something that is told to children in Japanese schools. It tells them that they shouldn’t fight with their friends and that if they ever have problems, they should work together to figure it out. I think the message is common in other cultures as well.

• All Folklores

The Tale of Momotaro, the Peach Boy

Long ago, in a village in Japan, there lived an elderly couple who longed for a child. One day, while the old woman was washing clothes by the river, she found a giant peach floating downstream. Astonished by its size, she took the peach home to share with her husband.

As they were about to cut the peach, it split open, and to their amazement, a baby boy emerged from within! They named him Momotaro, which means Peach Boy, and raised him as their own son. Momotaro grew up to be a strong and courageous young boy, with a kind heart and a determined spirit.

One day, the village was threatened by a band of ogres known as Oni, who raided and terrorized the land. Determined to help his village and rid the land of the Oni, Momotaro embarked on a brave quest. He decided to journey to Onigashima, the ogres’ island stronghold, and defeat them.

Before leaving, Momotaro’s adoptive parents gifted him kibi dango, special millet dumplings they had made for him. As he ventured forth, Momotaro encountered three animals—a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant—each of whom expressed a desire to aid him in his quest.

With the help of his new animal friends, Momotaro bravely faced numerous challenges on his journey to Onigashima. They encountered and defeated the Oni, using their teamwork and Momotaro’s courage to prevail.

Upon their victorious return to the village, Momotaro was celebrated as a hero. His bravery and kindness had saved the land from the tyranny of the Oni. From that day forward, Momotaro and his animal companions lived happily, revered for their valor and unity.

The tale of Momotaro, the Peach Boy, is cherished in Japanese folklore for its themes of bravery, cooperation, and the triumph of good over evil. It teaches the importance of courage, friendship, and using one’s strengths to overcome adversity.

The Tale of Amaterasu and the Cave

The Tale of Hana and the Spirit of Blossoms

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The Accepted Outsider: A New Interpretation of The Folktale of Momotaro

Momotaro is one of the most widely heard folktales in Japanese society, even becoming a compulsory material taught in all elementary schools in Japan. Folktale is something that reflects the structure of thinking of society. Therefore, the folktale of Momotaro was examined to reveal the thinking structure covered in the story. The thought is the view of Japanese society towards people outside their community. This view in Japanese culture is very important. Surprisingly, until now there has been no researcher who relates this folktale to this view. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to fill this void, by presenting a new interpretation different from the previous studies. This research is cultural research, not literary research. Almost all cultural research on Momotaro cannot be separated from the use of a historical approach. What distinguishes it from previous research is the use of a non-historical approach. This study used Levi-Strauss’ structural approach. This approach i...

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Jurnal Humaniora

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This article analyzes four Japanese folk tales (myths) using the unconscious structures approach pioneered by Lévi-Strauss to uncover the connections between these myths and the unconscious structures of the society that holds them. The first step is to find the outer structures of the four analyzed myths and analyze them both synchronically and diachronically to find their component mythemes. The second step is to analyze and identify the inner structures of these mythemes. These inner structures can then be refined into a series of binary oppositions. Subsequently, the structures of these myths are connected to ethnographic data of the Japanese people, thus producing transformations which indicate the unconscious structures under investigatie. This analysis shows there are oppositional logics centered around the concept of duty, a fundamental part of Japanese morality – opposition between “willingness” and “reluctance” as well as between “gimu”and “giri”. These oppositional logics...

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Luís Augusto Augusto

A folktale owned by one country can also be found in another country with either the same theme or motive. As there is numerous folktale around the world, it turns out that folktales from Indonesia have many similarities to folktales from Japan, one of which is Jaka Tarub folktale from Central Java and Tanabata folktale from Japan. This research aimed to discover the similarities and differences of the story structure and cultural element of the two folktales. In analyzing, the researcher employed three approaches, namely Greimas narratology structuralism approach to analyzing the story structure, cultural approach to analyze the cultural element and comparative literature approach. The result of this study indicated that there was both similarities and differences of story structure and cultural element. However, both Jaka Tarub and Tanabata did not influence each other as they represented their own characteristics which were descriptions of the society where they came from.

Journal of Japanese Studies

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Abstract: Mauruangi is a legendary mizo folktale which depicts the suffering of a girl under a stereotypical wicked stepmother and a jealous step sister Bingtaii. In spite of the sufferings, the protagonist grew up to become a lovely, virtuous woman, ended up marrying a ‘vai lalpa’ (a foreign Lord) thus living happily ever after. But the story is not that simple. In this paper, we will critically analyse the intricacies pertaining to the dominant ideologies through the sociological lens. In addition to this, we will also explore the way this text has been put across to the audience such that it appeals to their likeness and gives a sense of connection to the Mizo culture.

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The Buckingham Journal of Language and Linguistics

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Folktales have been regarded as the simplest form of narrative and tales from various cultures have been analyzed in terms of their structure. The structural analysis of tales can be claimed to begin with Propp's (1958/1968) Morphology of the folktale. Following Propp's groundbreaking morphological classification of Russian tales, studies of structural typology of folktales from different cultures have given rise to story-grammars and led to the heyday of narratology. However, with the growing interest in narrative as a social and psychological phenomenon, structural analyses of stories have come under attack. It is contended that although the explorations of story structures have resulted in interesting descriptions of different models, what is lacking is an explanation of how formal patterns are related to the story's content. Therefore, more recent works in narratological research have called for a narrative analysis that goes beyond structures. This article revisits a structure analysis of folktales. Using a Myanmar (Burmese) folktale as a tutor text, it advocates an investigation of the relationship between form, function and field of a tale, and suggests a structural analysis as a means to gain insights into the cultural determination of the narrative motif and the social purpose of storytelling.

Harryizman Harun

As one of seven dramatis personae of folktale morphology, the hero plays an essential role because it signifies the protagonist of the folktale, which frequently appears in the folktale structure. The distinctions in attributes of the hero gave birth to two types of hero: the seeker and the victimised. The differences in the types of hero are vital since they mould the structure of the folktale. Nevertheless, the types of hero discovered were obtained from an analysis conducted on a collection of Russian folktales. In the context of Malaysia, will the same types of hero persist in the local folktales? Thus, this study seeks to examine the applicability of the seeker and the victimised heroes of dramatis personae in selected local folktales. The method utilised to operate the examination was qualitative text analysis (QTA) supported by Atlas.ti, a computer-aided qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) to increase validity and credibility of the examination. The outcome of the examination was visualised to demonstrate the heroes application graphically. It aided in the discussion of the results. Thevisualisation was achieved via the Network utility in Atlas.ti. The findings revealed that the seeker and the victimised heroes are only applicable to the Malaysian folktales to a certain extent. Some heroes lack the attributes of both heroes which necessitated the current study to introduce an additional type of hero: antiheroes. Introduction The current study was motivated by the morphology of folktales which advocates the examination of folktales via structure (Propp, 1998). In the morphology, Propp introduced a unit called a function that represents the constants in folktales. The constants of folktales, which are also known as the structures, are building blocks that do not change throughout the entire tale. The rest of the building blocks that change and are replaceable are variables, which are considered as belonging to accessory studies. The use of the function in examining the folktales ensures objectivity in any studies conducted. As an essential supplement to identify the function embedded in the folktales, dramatis personae or the performers in the folktales are introduced. There are seven dramatis personae: villain, donor, helper, princess and her father, dispatcher, hero, and false hero. In the milieu of the current study, the hero was chosen to be studied because it has been found that such dramatis personae permeates in the folktale structure from the beginning to the end which in turn highlights its standing in the morphology. There are two types of hero introduced by the theory: the seeker and the victimised heroes. Nevertheless, the function and especially the dramatis personae as the focus of the current study are the outcomes of a theory born from an analysis conducted on a collection of Russian literary folktales. Therefore, such circumstance beckons an inquiry as to whether the two types of hero are indeed applicable in the context of Malaysian folktales.

IJHASS Journal

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Mythopoesis is the term used to understand the ‘myth-making’ condition. This term, borrowed from Tolkien’s iconic poem ‘mythopoeia’ arises from myth creation in the contemporary mode through the media of films, novels and other indicators of ‘pop’ culture. The use of Campbell’s and Propp’s models for the mythic plot structure has been appropriated to forms of mythopoesis, and finds its base primarily in literary studies, rather than myth studies. Using modern scholarship on myth (William Doty, Bruce Lincoln and Donniger, among others), this paper seeks to go beyond the surface understanding of mythopoesis and integrate it into the contemporary myth making mode. Anime is a textual-visual medium, combining the facets to emerge as the largest cultural export that Japan has ever consciously disseminated. Using Japanese mythology as a base for general myth-making, we will trace mythopoeia as myth and narrative intertwine. Hence, while it remains a medium of entertainment for many consumers, this paper argues that it is indeed a modern mode of myth-making without conformation to literary embellishments. The first section examines literature on myth, and definitions in order to understand the role of myth in our contemporary society. Section two utilizes this definition and examines various facets of Japanese mythology as they appear in the anime medium. The third section correlates several concerns of the Japanese population as they are expressed in anime AND myth – be it in terms of etiological concerns, or explanations of the ‘unintelligible’ cosmos that are derived, thus stressing on the fact that mythopoesis does exist, and myth studies need not be characterized by nostalgia – the mechanisms of dissemination may change, but myth-making remains essential.

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