Japanese Folklore *The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter's Daughter (Kaguya-hime)* A humble bamboo cutter lived in the forest, cutting and selling bamboo to make ends meet. One day, while working, he stumbled upon a glowing bamboo stalk. Curious, he cut it open and found a tiny, radiant princess inside. The cutter and his wife took the princess in, naming her Kaguya-hime, and raised her as their own.
As Kaguya-hime grew up, she became incredibly beautiful, attracting many suitors. However, she was uninterested in their proposals, revealing her true nature as the Moon Princess sent to Earth as a baby to escape a celestial war. Eventually, the moon emperor's messengers arrived to escort Kaguya-hime back to the moon.
Despite the cutter's attempts to keep her on Earth, Kaguya-hime reluctantly returned to her lunar home, leaving behind her earthly family and life. The story explores themes of identity, duty, and the human condition, highlighting the bittersweet nature of Kaguya-hime's experience.
This tale has been passed down through generations, captivating audiences with its poignant and enchanting narrative.
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THE TALE OF THE BAMBOO CUTTER