Here are my thoughts on the second half of the Japanese Fairy Tales by Andrew Lang. I really liked the first half, so I am hoping these are great, too.
Schippeitaro: This was a really interesting story. As a dog person I found it funny that the evil spirit was a cat. I did not like, however, that the other cats had to die.
The Crab and the Monkey: Wow, that story did not at all go as I expected. First I thought it would just be about the crab being more cunning than the rude monkey, which I suppose was true, but in a much more violent manor than expected. I like that the friends helped the crab though.
The Magic Kettle: This was a cute story. I like the creature Tanuki but I feel a little bad that it was forced to perform everyday. I would like it better if he were not captured by enchantments but rather stayed of is own volition.
How the Wicked Tanuki was Punished: Oooo more Tanuki! I have discovered that I really like these mystical creatures between the last story and this one. I look forward to reading more stories about them.
The Slaying of the Tanuki This was a weird story. I am still not sure even though I finished it if I like it or not. I may need to read it again later to make a final verdict.
Uraschimataro and the Turtle: This was a good story to end the unit on! It had me through a range of emotions just in one page which was impressive.
Author's Note: This is Disney's Be A Man from Mulan rewritten to tell the story of The Envious Neighbor by Andrew Lang. I really loved this story when I read it and thought it would make a fun song. The original story is about a neighbor that is jealous because the couple next door has a very loyal dog that finds them gold in their yard. The man borrows the dog for a night and the dog only finds him stinking bones. He kills the dog in his rage and tells the couple the dog just passed away. The dog later comes to the couple in a dream and tells them to turn their tree into a rice mortar. They do and when they put rice in it the rice turns into gold. The jealous neighbor borrows the mortar but it only gives him gross berries so he burns it in a rage. The couple then has a dream that they should take the ashes and sprinkle them from the trees when the Daimio walked by. They do so and the trees burst into bloom for which the Daimio greatly rewards them. The envious neighbor attempts to do the same and the ashes get in the Daimio's eyes and he punishes the neighbor by throwing him in jail to rot. I turned the story into a song, and if you want to sing along with the tune an instrumental video is provided below. I hope you enjoy!
Let's get down to business
To get some funds.
Did they get a doggie
When they asked for sons?
They're the saddest bunch I ever met
And you can bet before I'm through
Neighbor, I'll have more gold
Than you.
Worthy as a ruler
With a fire within
I have found my center
So I'm sure to win.
You're a spineless, pale pathetic lot
But your dog is quite a sleuth
Somehow I'll get that dog
From you.
Husband: I'm never gonna let you go
Say goodbye to your old owners
Boy, these guys are fools ingrained to giving in
Dog: This guys got a stinking greed
Wife: Hope he doesn't miss a feeding
Husband: Now I really wish that I knew how to deny
GET THE DOG
I must be sly like a little red fox
GET THE DOG
With all the force of a great typhoon
USE THE DOG
With all the patience of a crouching tiger
I'm gonna kill him for getting me those bones
Time is racing toward me
Till the husband arrives.
I will have to tell him
The dog didn't survive
Now they've built themselves a great mortar
Gives them gold instead of rice
How can I get the gold
From those two?
GET THE MORTAR
I must be sly as a little red fox
GOT THE MORTAR
With all the rice I can put in it
STUPID MORTAR
With all the fury of a raging fire
I burnt the mortar and they took the ashes
GET ASHES
I must spread them before the Daimio
SPREAD THE ASHES
With more grace than my stupid neighbors
OHH DEAR
I did not think they would land in his eyes
He's throwing me in the darkest dungeon
OH-NO!
The Two Frogs: I loved this story, and yet it frustrated me so much! I wanted to jump up and tell the frogs to try it again facing the other direction. It is funny how such a great plan went so awry.
The Stone Cutter: This story makes me think of the phrase "The grass is always greener on the other side." I like the chain of things the man went through to show the man how to be satisfied with his lot. I can definitely see Japanese culture in this because of the "know your place" theme.
The Maiden with the Wooden Helmet: This was an interesting story. I can again see many Japanese morals within the story: obeying your parents, hard work, and trying to be just one of the community and not a stand out. I liked the reward the girl got for obeying her mother. I wonder what a story where she disobeyed would look like.
The Envious Neighbor: I love the little dog in this story. I love thinking of a dog so loyal that even in death he would please his master. I am sad that the dog had to die in the story, but it made for a great plot. The neighbor got his due for being so envious and cruel.
The Sparrow with the Split Tongue: This was a very interesting story. I did not expect it to end in death. A consequence, yes, but the death startled me. I like the sparrow fairy and the man though.
The Cat's Elopement: Oh my goodness, this story was so adorable! I absolutely loved it! It's a star-crossed lover story that ended well which is a nice change. Though the title was rather curious at first. I am really looking forward to reading more of these Japanese fairy tales. I really am enjoying them.
