APIFantasy | Myth and Folklore Anthology

Japanese Mythology - Myth #3: Urashima Taro

Urashima Taro

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The story of Urashima Taro, the name of the main character, is about a fisherman who rescues a turtle and is rewarded with a special trip under the ocean to visit the kingdom of the Dragon God. The princess gives Urashima Taro a box and tells him that as long as he does not open it, he will stay happy, but of course, he opens the box when he returns to land.

Urashima Taro, a Japanese tale teaches the importance of obedience over happiness. A sea turtle rewards a fisher, who is, in turn, punished for disobedience.

Music

There are no recordings of the actual music that Urashima Taro heard.

It is forbidden to record in the kingdom below the sea.

But there are videos of modern people playing instruments he heard. The first one begins with the koto and ends with Takio drumming.

The Dance Urashima Saw

Of course the dancing was also not fully recorded. But if you watch the video below and imagine the sea creatures instead of the women doing the traditional Japanese dancing, you may have a better idea of what Urashima Taro saw.

Story

Long, long ago, in a small village near the sea in the south of Japan, lived a young fisher named Urashima Taro. Although he was a fine fisherman, he was most known for his kind heart.

One day, as he returned home from his work, he noticed a group of boisterous children. As he drew near, he saw that they were tormenting a small turtle.

Urashima Taro's heart went out to the turtle.

"Children, that is such a fine turtle. Why not help it back into the sea?"

The children only laughed and continued to poke at the poor turtle.

"If you will give me the turtle, I will give you the money from my catch today," said Urashima Taro.

The children looked at the large catch of fish and decided to sell the turtle.

The kind hearted fisher spoke softly to the turtle. "You, my friend, will live a long and full life in the beautiful sea." And he set the turtle into the waves.

Some days later, Urashima Taro went as usual to the sea to fish. His line hung still in the water and his mind followed the turtle deep into the sea.

Urashima Taro-San, Urashima Taro-San." The strange voice drifted up through the water and disturbed his thoughts.

When he turned his attention to the world around him, he saw a large and ancient turtle at his side.

"Urashimna Taro-San, I am the one you saved from the children," said the turtle. "As repayment for your kindness, I am here to take you into the presence of the king who lives beneath the sea. I will carry you on my back, and although we must travel far, we will soon complete our journey."

Urashima Taro left his fishing line behind to slide into the green sea. He straddled the turtle's shell and grasped the front of the strong front flippers. No sooner was he settled than he found himself gliding down, down, endlessly down.