Myths and Legends 410: Japanese folklore: Provincial
Jun 4, 2025
Dive into enchanting tales from the Japanese countryside, filled with purpose and justice. Meet the Dinny Mara, a whimsical merman aiming to change perceptions of water creatures, despite his pesky habit of drowning humans. Explore the emotional struggles of a laborer torn between love and duty, and join a samurai on a mystical pilgrimage with a hefty chest. Discover absurdities in bureaucracy alongside heartwarming moments with nature and cats, all while witnessing the gravity of revenge and divine justice in this captivating tapestry of folklore.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Kenshiro's Pilgrimage and Betrayal
- Kenshiro, an aging farmer, plans a pilgrimage to the Ise shrines before he dies.
- He experiences betrayal but persists with his mission, highlighting themes of loss and purpose.
Cheated and Beaten at the Inn
- Kenshiro discovers the innkeeper who held his money replaced it with rocks.
- He is beaten for his accusation, showing cruelty against the vulnerable.
Buddhist Parable on Presence
- A Buddhist parable explains living in the present amid past fears and future uncertainty.
- The strawberry symbolizes the present moment which should be cherished despite life's dangers.