Author: Scott Lewis
Publisher: Classical Mythology
ISBN: 9781720063346
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 136
Book Description
Giant monsters. Tales of eternal love. The beginning of creation. Pint-sized warriors. Long voyages and insurmountable heroics are only a small piece of the classic myths that have helped shape Japan
Japanese Mythology: Classic Stories of Japanese Myths, Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters
Author: Scott Lewis
Publisher: Classical Mythology
ISBN: 9781720063346
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 136
Book Description
Giant monsters. Tales of eternal love. The beginning of creation. Pint-sized warriors. Long voyages and insurmountable heroics are only a small piece of the classic myths that have helped shape Japan
Publisher: Classical Mythology
ISBN: 9781720063346
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 136
Book Description
Giant monsters. Tales of eternal love. The beginning of creation. Pint-sized warriors. Long voyages and insurmountable heroics are only a small piece of the classic myths that have helped shape Japan
Japanese Mythology
Author: Roberts Parizi
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 264
Book Description
Are you interested in learning about Japanese mythology? Are you intrigued by the culture of Japan? Are you looking for some interesting stories to read? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are going to want to continue reading. Japanese mythology, like most other mythology, as permeated a lot of their culture today. The stories are still told, and while it isn't taught in school like Greek mythology, it does provide a learning opportunity. Their mythology is filled with creation stories, stories of the Underworld, and many other magical stories. You will also find that a lot of their myths are similar to some of our mainstream fairy tales, such as Tom Thumb. This book is going to take you through several of their most popular myths, but not before discussing the history of Japanese mythology. Since the stories come from translations, there are words that we will go over to make sure that you can understand the stories. In this book you will learn: The history of Japanese mythology What Kamis are and the role they play in the myths Important words that you need to know The story about the one-inch boy The story about how the Gods were born The creation story for day and night The story about the strong boy and much more. These myths are great from adults and children alike. They give you an insight into a culture that is full of traditions. These myths are like nothing you have ever read before. You will find that Japanese mythology is not based in only one belief system. These myths and folktales are based in their Shinto and Buddhist traditions. The origin stories within Japanese mythology can vary because the different traditions view them differently. Those aren't the mythology's only influences. The thousands of years that Japan has had with Korea, China, Ainu, and Okinawan myths have also played a big role in their mythology. You will find that a lot of their myths are tied to the agriculture and the topography of the region. A lot of their myths and traditions have come from the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki. The latter is the oldest surviving account of the Japan's legends, history, and myths. Within Japanese mythology, they also explain the origin of the Imperial Family. This has been historically used in order to assign godhood to the imperial line. Given the fact that for much of Japan's history, their communities were mainly isolated from one another, individual legends and myths were created to showed the unique aspects of each location. There are actually some places that are mentioned in these stories that can be visited in real life. As you can see from this little bit of information, there is a lot to be learned in Japanese mythology. Whether you are looking to learn some new or if you are just looking for something entertaining to read, this book has something for you. These stories can be shared with children, and are a great way to spend some time. Don't wait any longer. Scroll up right now and click on the "buy now" button.
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 264
Book Description
Are you interested in learning about Japanese mythology? Are you intrigued by the culture of Japan? Are you looking for some interesting stories to read? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are going to want to continue reading. Japanese mythology, like most other mythology, as permeated a lot of their culture today. The stories are still told, and while it isn't taught in school like Greek mythology, it does provide a learning opportunity. Their mythology is filled with creation stories, stories of the Underworld, and many other magical stories. You will also find that a lot of their myths are similar to some of our mainstream fairy tales, such as Tom Thumb. This book is going to take you through several of their most popular myths, but not before discussing the history of Japanese mythology. Since the stories come from translations, there are words that we will go over to make sure that you can understand the stories. In this book you will learn: The history of Japanese mythology What Kamis are and the role they play in the myths Important words that you need to know The story about the one-inch boy The story about how the Gods were born The creation story for day and night The story about the strong boy and much more. These myths are great from adults and children alike. They give you an insight into a culture that is full of traditions. These myths are like nothing you have ever read before. You will find that Japanese mythology is not based in only one belief system. These myths and folktales are based in their Shinto and Buddhist traditions. The origin stories within Japanese mythology can vary because the different traditions view them differently. Those aren't the mythology's only influences. The thousands of years that Japan has had with Korea, China, Ainu, and Okinawan myths have also played a big role in their mythology. You will find that a lot of their myths are tied to the agriculture and the topography of the region. A lot of their myths and traditions have come from the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki. The latter is the oldest surviving account of the Japan's legends, history, and myths. Within Japanese mythology, they also explain the origin of the Imperial Family. This has been historically used in order to assign godhood to the imperial line. Given the fact that for much of Japan's history, their communities were mainly isolated from one another, individual legends and myths were created to showed the unique aspects of each location. There are actually some places that are mentioned in these stories that can be visited in real life. As you can see from this little bit of information, there is a lot to be learned in Japanese mythology. Whether you are looking to learn some new or if you are just looking for something entertaining to read, this book has something for you. These stories can be shared with children, and are a great way to spend some time. Don't wait any longer. Scroll up right now and click on the "buy now" button.
Mythology
Author: Scott Lewis
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN: 9781097701681
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 584
Book Description
Do you know how many wives Zeus had? Or how the famous Trojan War was caused by one beautiful lady? Or how Thor got his hammer? Give your imagination a real treat. This Mega Mythology Collection is for you. Get 8 books with the price of 3 today! Greek Mythology: From the beginning of the Cosmos to the Odyssey, be ready to venture into an exciting world of love, loyalty, infidelity, vengeance, deception, and intrigue! Learn about: - Hear about the creation myth that started it all. - Travel to Mount Olympus and live among the gods and goddesses. - Tag along with the heroes and villains on their quests from high above on Mount Olympus to Earth and then beneath the surface to the gloomy world of Hades. - Learn about the fascinating Greek gods and goddesses and the rivalry between them. Celtic Mythology: In this all-inclusive guide to Celtic mythology, you will be able to follow the adventures of the Celts through history and understand the true meaning behind popular myths. This comprehensive Celtic mythology guide will allow you to embark on an epic adventure through: - Introduction to the Celts - The Mythological Cycle: The Children of Lir and The Wooing of Étain - The Ulster Cycle: The Life of Cú Chulainn - The Fenian Cycle: Stories of Finn mac Cúmhaill - The Kings' Cycle: Stories of Cormac mac Airt - Welsh Mythology: The Four Branches of Mabinogi and Classic Welsh Myths Norse Mythology: Norse Mythology: Classic Stories of the Norse Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters contains stories passed down from the ancient Norse religion, practiced by the Vikings and other northern people who live in modern-day Scandinavia, Iceland, and throughout the British Isles. Inside this book, you will find myths that answer the following questions: - How did Odin form the world from Ymir's body and make men and women from wood? - What are the names of the nine realms and who (or what) live in them? - Why does Odin have only one eye, and why does Tyr have only one hand? - Where the gift of poetry comes from? - Who are Loki's children, and why does Odin fear them? - Why do the gods fear the end of the world, and what will happen at Ragnarok? And 5 more similar audiobooks on Japanese Mythology, Hindu Mythology, Chinese Mythology, Mesopotamian Mythology and Egyptian Mythology! The 8 manuscripts included in this collection are: - Greek Mythology: Classic Stories of the Greek Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters - Celtic Mythology: Classic Stories of the Celtic Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters - Norse Mythology: Classic Stories of the Norse Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters - Japanese Mythology: Classic Stories of Japanese Myths, Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters - Hindu Mythology: Classic Stories of Hindu Myths, Gods, Goddesses, Heroes and Monsters - Chinese Mythology: Classic Stories of Chinese Myths, Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters - Mesopotamian Mythology: Classic stories from the Sumerian Mythology, Akkadian Mythology, Babylonian Mythology and Assyrian Mythology - Egyptian Mythology: Classic Stories of Egyptian Myths, Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN: 9781097701681
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 584
Book Description
Do you know how many wives Zeus had? Or how the famous Trojan War was caused by one beautiful lady? Or how Thor got his hammer? Give your imagination a real treat. This Mega Mythology Collection is for you. Get 8 books with the price of 3 today! Greek Mythology: From the beginning of the Cosmos to the Odyssey, be ready to venture into an exciting world of love, loyalty, infidelity, vengeance, deception, and intrigue! Learn about: - Hear about the creation myth that started it all. - Travel to Mount Olympus and live among the gods and goddesses. - Tag along with the heroes and villains on their quests from high above on Mount Olympus to Earth and then beneath the surface to the gloomy world of Hades. - Learn about the fascinating Greek gods and goddesses and the rivalry between them. Celtic Mythology: In this all-inclusive guide to Celtic mythology, you will be able to follow the adventures of the Celts through history and understand the true meaning behind popular myths. This comprehensive Celtic mythology guide will allow you to embark on an epic adventure through: - Introduction to the Celts - The Mythological Cycle: The Children of Lir and The Wooing of Étain - The Ulster Cycle: The Life of Cú Chulainn - The Fenian Cycle: Stories of Finn mac Cúmhaill - The Kings' Cycle: Stories of Cormac mac Airt - Welsh Mythology: The Four Branches of Mabinogi and Classic Welsh Myths Norse Mythology: Norse Mythology: Classic Stories of the Norse Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters contains stories passed down from the ancient Norse religion, practiced by the Vikings and other northern people who live in modern-day Scandinavia, Iceland, and throughout the British Isles. Inside this book, you will find myths that answer the following questions: - How did Odin form the world from Ymir's body and make men and women from wood? - What are the names of the nine realms and who (or what) live in them? - Why does Odin have only one eye, and why does Tyr have only one hand? - Where the gift of poetry comes from? - Who are Loki's children, and why does Odin fear them? - Why do the gods fear the end of the world, and what will happen at Ragnarok? And 5 more similar audiobooks on Japanese Mythology, Hindu Mythology, Chinese Mythology, Mesopotamian Mythology and Egyptian Mythology! The 8 manuscripts included in this collection are: - Greek Mythology: Classic Stories of the Greek Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters - Celtic Mythology: Classic Stories of the Celtic Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters - Norse Mythology: Classic Stories of the Norse Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters - Japanese Mythology: Classic Stories of Japanese Myths, Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters - Hindu Mythology: Classic Stories of Hindu Myths, Gods, Goddesses, Heroes and Monsters - Chinese Mythology: Classic Stories of Chinese Myths, Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters - Mesopotamian Mythology: Classic stories from the Sumerian Mythology, Akkadian Mythology, Babylonian Mythology and Assyrian Mythology - Egyptian Mythology: Classic Stories of Egyptian Myths, Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters
The Book of Yokai
Author: Michael Dylan Foster
Publisher: Univ of California Press
ISBN: 0520271017
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 330
Book Description
Monsters, ghosts, fantastic beings, and supernatural phenomena of all sorts haunt the folklore and popular culture of Japan. Broadly labeled yokai, these creatures come in infinite shapes and sizes, from tengu mountain goblins and kappa water spirits to shape-shifting foxes and long-tongued ceiling-lickers. Currently popular in anime, manga, film, and computer games, many yokai originated in local legends, folktales, and regional ghost stories. Drawing on years of research in Japan, Michael Dylan Foster unpacks the history and cultural context of yokai, tracing their roots, interpreting their meanings, and introducing people who have hunted them through the ages. In this delightful and accessible narrative, readers will explore the roles played by these mysterious beings within Japanese culture and will also learn of their abundance and variety through detailed entries, some with original illustrations, on more than fifty individual creatures. The Book of Yokai provides a lively excursion into Japanese folklore and its ever-expanding influence on global popular culture. It also invites readers to examine how people create, transmit, and collect folklore, and how they make sense of the mysteries in the world around them. By exploring yokai as a concept, we can better understand broader processes of tradition, innovation, storytelling, and individual and communal creativity. Ê
Publisher: Univ of California Press
ISBN: 0520271017
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 330
Book Description
Monsters, ghosts, fantastic beings, and supernatural phenomena of all sorts haunt the folklore and popular culture of Japan. Broadly labeled yokai, these creatures come in infinite shapes and sizes, from tengu mountain goblins and kappa water spirits to shape-shifting foxes and long-tongued ceiling-lickers. Currently popular in anime, manga, film, and computer games, many yokai originated in local legends, folktales, and regional ghost stories. Drawing on years of research in Japan, Michael Dylan Foster unpacks the history and cultural context of yokai, tracing their roots, interpreting their meanings, and introducing people who have hunted them through the ages. In this delightful and accessible narrative, readers will explore the roles played by these mysterious beings within Japanese culture and will also learn of their abundance and variety through detailed entries, some with original illustrations, on more than fifty individual creatures. The Book of Yokai provides a lively excursion into Japanese folklore and its ever-expanding influence on global popular culture. It also invites readers to examine how people create, transmit, and collect folklore, and how they make sense of the mysteries in the world around them. By exploring yokai as a concept, we can better understand broader processes of tradition, innovation, storytelling, and individual and communal creativity. Ê
Japanese Mythology
Author: Matt Clayton
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781987435733
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 88
Book Description
Explore Captivating Myths of Japanese Deities, Yokai, Heroes and Heroines The study of mythology and folklore is a peculiar one to the extent that we are looking into things which are generally regarded as untrue yet critically important to a culture. We are also taking on the study of the "lore of the folk," and this faces us with the question of exactly which folk we are talking about. Japan, of course, is a single nation, but its origins are so old and often so fragmented that unified mythology and folklore can be difficult to point to. Still, in all, there are some key texts, tales, and characters we can focus on which will give us a pretty good sense of Japanese mythology. In this book, you'll discover stories of mystery, horror, and romance while simultaneously learning about the Japanese culture. Within this book, you'll find the following Japanese myths and topics covered The Creation Stories The Myths of Origins The Journey to the Underworld The Wanderings of Susano-o The Birth of Amaterasu, Trukuyumi, Susawono, and the Leech-Child The Story of the Comb and the Curse Amaterasu and Susanowo The Contract of Amaterasu and Susawono Stories of the Three Most Evil Yokai of Japan Stories of Helpful Yokai My Lord Bag of Rice The Story of Urashima Taro The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter and Kaguya hime The Legend of Yamato Takeru Contemporary Versions of Japanese Mythology And more! Get the book now and learn more about Japanese mythology
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781987435733
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 88
Book Description
Explore Captivating Myths of Japanese Deities, Yokai, Heroes and Heroines The study of mythology and folklore is a peculiar one to the extent that we are looking into things which are generally regarded as untrue yet critically important to a culture. We are also taking on the study of the "lore of the folk," and this faces us with the question of exactly which folk we are talking about. Japan, of course, is a single nation, but its origins are so old and often so fragmented that unified mythology and folklore can be difficult to point to. Still, in all, there are some key texts, tales, and characters we can focus on which will give us a pretty good sense of Japanese mythology. In this book, you'll discover stories of mystery, horror, and romance while simultaneously learning about the Japanese culture. Within this book, you'll find the following Japanese myths and topics covered The Creation Stories The Myths of Origins The Journey to the Underworld The Wanderings of Susano-o The Birth of Amaterasu, Trukuyumi, Susawono, and the Leech-Child The Story of the Comb and the Curse Amaterasu and Susanowo The Contract of Amaterasu and Susawono Stories of the Three Most Evil Yokai of Japan Stories of Helpful Yokai My Lord Bag of Rice The Story of Urashima Taro The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter and Kaguya hime The Legend of Yamato Takeru Contemporary Versions of Japanese Mythology And more! Get the book now and learn more about Japanese mythology
Treasury of Greek Mythology
Author: Donna Jo Napoli
Publisher: National Geographic Books
ISBN: 1426308442
Category : Mythology, Greek
Languages : en
Pages : 196
Book Description
An introduction to some of the most prominent beings in the ancient Greek pantheon.
Publisher: National Geographic Books
ISBN: 1426308442
Category : Mythology, Greek
Languages : en
Pages : 196
Book Description
An introduction to some of the most prominent beings in the ancient Greek pantheon.
Classical Mythology A to Z
Author: Annette Giesecke
Publisher: Black Dog & Leventhal
ISBN: 0762497130
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 549
Book Description
A beautifully illustrated, wonderfully engaging A-to-Z guide to more than 700 major and minor gods and goddesses, characters, creatures, and places of classical Greek and Roman mythology. Classical Mythology A-to-Z is a comprehensive and engrossing guide to Greek and Roman mythology. Written by Annette Giesecke, PhD, Professor of Classics and Chair of Ancient Greek and Roman Studies at the University of Delaware, this brilliant reference offers clear explanations of every character and locale, and captures the essence of these timeless tales. From the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus and the heroes of the Trojan War to the nymphs, monsters, and other mythical creatures that populate these ancient stories, Giesecke recounts, with clarity and energy, the details of more than 700 characters and places. Each definition includes cross-references to related characters, locations, and myths, as well their equivalent in Roman mythology and cult. In addition to being an important standalone work, Classical Mythology A-to-Z is also written, designed, and illustrated to serve as an essential companion to the bestselling illustrated 75th-anniversary edition of Mythology by Edith Hamilton, including 10 full-color plates and 2-color illustrations throughout by artist Jim Tierney.
Publisher: Black Dog & Leventhal
ISBN: 0762497130
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 549
Book Description
A beautifully illustrated, wonderfully engaging A-to-Z guide to more than 700 major and minor gods and goddesses, characters, creatures, and places of classical Greek and Roman mythology. Classical Mythology A-to-Z is a comprehensive and engrossing guide to Greek and Roman mythology. Written by Annette Giesecke, PhD, Professor of Classics and Chair of Ancient Greek and Roman Studies at the University of Delaware, this brilliant reference offers clear explanations of every character and locale, and captures the essence of these timeless tales. From the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus and the heroes of the Trojan War to the nymphs, monsters, and other mythical creatures that populate these ancient stories, Giesecke recounts, with clarity and energy, the details of more than 700 characters and places. Each definition includes cross-references to related characters, locations, and myths, as well their equivalent in Roman mythology and cult. In addition to being an important standalone work, Classical Mythology A-to-Z is also written, designed, and illustrated to serve as an essential companion to the bestselling illustrated 75th-anniversary edition of Mythology by Edith Hamilton, including 10 full-color plates and 2-color illustrations throughout by artist Jim Tierney.
Myths and Legends of Japan
Author: Frederick Hadland Davis
Publisher: Library of Alexandria
ISBN: 146560796X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 580
Book Description
Pierre Loti in Madame Chrysanthème, Gilbert and Sullivan in The Mikado, and Sir Edwin Arnold in Seas and Lands, gave us the impression that Japan was a real fairyland in the Far East. We were delighted with the prettiness and quaintness of that country, and still more with the prettiness and quaintness of the Japanese people. We laughed at their topsy-turvy ways, regarded the Japanese woman, in her rich-coloured kimono, as altogether charming and fascinating, and had a vague notion that the principal features of Nippon were the tea-houses, cherry-blossom, and geisha. Twenty years ago we did not take Japan very seriously. We still listen to the melodious music of The Mikado, but now we no longer regard Japan as a sort of glorified willow-pattern plate. The Land of the Rising Sun has become the Land of the Risen Sun, for we have learnt that her quaintness and prettiness, her fairy-like manners and customs, were but the outer signs of a great and progressive nation. To-day we recognise Japan as a power in the East, and her victory over the Russian has made her army and navy famous throughout the world. The Japanese have always been an imitative nation, quick to absorb and utilise the religion, art, and social life of China, and, having set their own national seal upon what they have borrowed from the Celestial Kingdom, to look elsewhere for material that should strengthen and advance their position. This imitative quality is one of Japan's most marked characteristics. She has ever been loath to impart information to others, but ready at all times to gain access to any form of knowledge likely to make for her advancement. In the fourteenth century Kenkō wrote in his Tsure-dzure-gusa: "Nothing opens one's eyes so much as travel, no matter where," and the twentieth-century Japanese has put this excellent advice into practice. He has travelled far and wide, and has made good use of his varied observations. Japan's power of imitation amounts to genius. East and West have contributed to her greatness, and it is a matter of surprise to many of us that a country so long isolated and for so many years bound by feudalism should, within a comparatively short space of time, master our Western system of warfare, as well as many of our ethical and social ideas, and become a great world-power. But Japan's success has not been due entirely to clever imitation, neither has her place among the foremost nations been accomplished with such meteor-like rapidity as some would have us suppose. We hear a good deal about the New Japan to-day, and are too prone to forget the significance of the Old upon which the present régime has been founded. Japan learnt from England, Germany and America all the tactics of modern warfare. She established an efficient army and navy on Western lines; but it must be remembered that Japan's great heroes of to-day, Togo and Oyama, still have in their veins something of the old samurai spirit, still reflect through their modernity something of the meaning of Bushido. The Japanese character is still Japanese and not Western. Her greatness is to be found in her patriotism, in her loyalty and whole-hearted love of her country. Shintōism has taught her to revere the mighty dead; Buddhism, besides adding to her religious ideals, has contributed to her literature and art, and Christianity has had its effect in introducing all manner of beneficent social reforms. There are many conflicting theories in regard to the racial origin of the Japanese people, and we have no definite knowledge on the subject. The first inhabitants of Japan were probably the Ainu, an Aryan people who possibly came from North-Eastern Asia at a time when the distance separating the Islands from the mainland was not so great as it is to-day. The Ainu were followed by two distinct Mongol invasions, and these invaders had no difficulty in subduing their predecessors; but in course of time the Mongols were driven northward by Malays from the Philippines. "By the year A.D. 500 the Ainu, the Mongol, and the Malay elements in the population had become one nation by much the same process as took place in England after the Norman Conquest. To the national characteristics it may be inferred that the Ainu contributed the power of resistance, the Mongol the intellectual qualities, and the Malay that handiness and adaptability which are the heritage of sailor-men." Such authorities as Baelz and Rein are of the opinion that the Japanese are Mongols, and although they have intermarried with the Ainu, "the two nations," writes Professor B. H. Chamberlain, "are as distinct as the whites and reds in North America." In spite of the fact that the Ainu is looked down upon in Japan, and regarded as a hairy aboriginal of interest to the anthropologist and the showman, a poor despised creature, who worships the bear as the emblem of strength and fierceness, he has, nevertheless, left his mark upon Japan. Fuji was possibly a corruption of Huchi, or Fuchi, the Ainu Goddess of Fire, and there is no doubt that these aborigines originated a vast number of geographical names, particularly in the north of the main island, that are recognisable to this day. We can also trace Ainu influence in regard to certain Japanese superstitions, such as the belief in the Kappa, or river monster.
Publisher: Library of Alexandria
ISBN: 146560796X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 580
Book Description
Pierre Loti in Madame Chrysanthème, Gilbert and Sullivan in The Mikado, and Sir Edwin Arnold in Seas and Lands, gave us the impression that Japan was a real fairyland in the Far East. We were delighted with the prettiness and quaintness of that country, and still more with the prettiness and quaintness of the Japanese people. We laughed at their topsy-turvy ways, regarded the Japanese woman, in her rich-coloured kimono, as altogether charming and fascinating, and had a vague notion that the principal features of Nippon were the tea-houses, cherry-blossom, and geisha. Twenty years ago we did not take Japan very seriously. We still listen to the melodious music of The Mikado, but now we no longer regard Japan as a sort of glorified willow-pattern plate. The Land of the Rising Sun has become the Land of the Risen Sun, for we have learnt that her quaintness and prettiness, her fairy-like manners and customs, were but the outer signs of a great and progressive nation. To-day we recognise Japan as a power in the East, and her victory over the Russian has made her army and navy famous throughout the world. The Japanese have always been an imitative nation, quick to absorb and utilise the religion, art, and social life of China, and, having set their own national seal upon what they have borrowed from the Celestial Kingdom, to look elsewhere for material that should strengthen and advance their position. This imitative quality is one of Japan's most marked characteristics. She has ever been loath to impart information to others, but ready at all times to gain access to any form of knowledge likely to make for her advancement. In the fourteenth century Kenkō wrote in his Tsure-dzure-gusa: "Nothing opens one's eyes so much as travel, no matter where," and the twentieth-century Japanese has put this excellent advice into practice. He has travelled far and wide, and has made good use of his varied observations. Japan's power of imitation amounts to genius. East and West have contributed to her greatness, and it is a matter of surprise to many of us that a country so long isolated and for so many years bound by feudalism should, within a comparatively short space of time, master our Western system of warfare, as well as many of our ethical and social ideas, and become a great world-power. But Japan's success has not been due entirely to clever imitation, neither has her place among the foremost nations been accomplished with such meteor-like rapidity as some would have us suppose. We hear a good deal about the New Japan to-day, and are too prone to forget the significance of the Old upon which the present régime has been founded. Japan learnt from England, Germany and America all the tactics of modern warfare. She established an efficient army and navy on Western lines; but it must be remembered that Japan's great heroes of to-day, Togo and Oyama, still have in their veins something of the old samurai spirit, still reflect through their modernity something of the meaning of Bushido. The Japanese character is still Japanese and not Western. Her greatness is to be found in her patriotism, in her loyalty and whole-hearted love of her country. Shintōism has taught her to revere the mighty dead; Buddhism, besides adding to her religious ideals, has contributed to her literature and art, and Christianity has had its effect in introducing all manner of beneficent social reforms. There are many conflicting theories in regard to the racial origin of the Japanese people, and we have no definite knowledge on the subject. The first inhabitants of Japan were probably the Ainu, an Aryan people who possibly came from North-Eastern Asia at a time when the distance separating the Islands from the mainland was not so great as it is to-day. The Ainu were followed by two distinct Mongol invasions, and these invaders had no difficulty in subduing their predecessors; but in course of time the Mongols were driven northward by Malays from the Philippines. "By the year A.D. 500 the Ainu, the Mongol, and the Malay elements in the population had become one nation by much the same process as took place in England after the Norman Conquest. To the national characteristics it may be inferred that the Ainu contributed the power of resistance, the Mongol the intellectual qualities, and the Malay that handiness and adaptability which are the heritage of sailor-men." Such authorities as Baelz and Rein are of the opinion that the Japanese are Mongols, and although they have intermarried with the Ainu, "the two nations," writes Professor B. H. Chamberlain, "are as distinct as the whites and reds in North America." In spite of the fact that the Ainu is looked down upon in Japan, and regarded as a hairy aboriginal of interest to the anthropologist and the showman, a poor despised creature, who worships the bear as the emblem of strength and fierceness, he has, nevertheless, left his mark upon Japan. Fuji was possibly a corruption of Huchi, or Fuchi, the Ainu Goddess of Fire, and there is no doubt that these aborigines originated a vast number of geographical names, particularly in the north of the main island, that are recognisable to this day. We can also trace Ainu influence in regard to certain Japanese superstitions, such as the belief in the Kappa, or river monster.
Greek Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook
Author: Liv Albert
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1507215495
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 240
Book Description
Includes bibliographic references and index.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1507215495
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 240
Book Description
Includes bibliographic references and index.
Japanese Tales
Author: Royall Tyler
Publisher: Pantheon
ISBN: 0307784061
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 401
Book Description
Two hundred and twenty tales from medieval Japan—tales that welcome us into a fabulous faraway world populated by saints, scoundrels, ghosts, magical healers, and a vast assortment of deities and demons. Stories of miracles, visions of hell, jokes, fables, and legends, these tales reflect the Japanese civilization. They ably balance the lyrical and the dramatic, the ribald and the profound, offering a window into a long-vanished culture. With black-and-white illustrations throughout Part of the Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore Library
Publisher: Pantheon
ISBN: 0307784061
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 401
Book Description
Two hundred and twenty tales from medieval Japan—tales that welcome us into a fabulous faraway world populated by saints, scoundrels, ghosts, magical healers, and a vast assortment of deities and demons. Stories of miracles, visions of hell, jokes, fables, and legends, these tales reflect the Japanese civilization. They ably balance the lyrical and the dramatic, the ribald and the profound, offering a window into a long-vanished culture. With black-and-white illustrations throughout Part of the Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore Library