0
The Story of the Aged Mother
A Japanese Folktale
Long, long ago there lived at the foot of the mountain a poor farmer and his aged, widowed mother. They owned a bit of land which supplied them with food, and their humble were peaceful andhappy.Shining was governed by a despotic leader who though a warrior, had a great and cowardlyshrinking from anything suggestive of failing health and strength. This caused him to send out acruel proclamation. The entire province was given strict orders to immediately put to death all agedpeople. Those were barbarous days, and the custom of abandoning old people to die was notcommon. The poor farmer loved his aged mother with tender reverence, and the order filled hisheart with sorrow. But no one ever thought a second time about obeying the mandate of thegovernor, so with many deep hopeless sighs, the youth prepared for what at that time wasconsidered the kindest mode of death. Just at sundown, when his day's work was ended, he took a quantity of unwhitened rice which isprincipal food for poor, cooked and dried it, and tying it in a square cloth, swung and bundle aroundhis neck along with a gourd filled with cool, sweet water. Then he lifted his helpless old mother tohis back and stated on his painful journey up the mountain. The road was long and steep; thenarrowed road was crossed and recrossed by many paths made by the hunters and woodcutters. Insome place, they mingled in a confused puzzled, but he gave no heed. One path or another, itmattered not. On he went, climbing blindly upward Â- ever upward towards the high bare summitof what is known as Obatsuyama, the mountain of the "abandoning of aged". The eyes of the old mother were not so dim but that they noted the reckless hastening from onepath to another, and her loving heart grew anxious. Her son did not know the mountain's manypaths and his return might be one of danger, so she stretched forth her hand and snapping thetwigs from brushes as they passed, she quietly dropped a handful every few steps of the way sothat they climbed, the narrow path behind them was dotted at frequently intervals with tiny piles of twigs. At last the summit was reached. Weary and heart sick, the youth gently released his burdenand silently prepared a place of comfort as his last duty to the loved one. Gathering fallen pineneedle, he made a soft cushion and tenderly lifting his old mother therein, he wrapped her paddedcoat more closely about the stooping shoulders and with tearful eyes and an aching heart saidfarewell. The trembling mother's voice was full of unselfish love as she gave her last injunction. "Let notthine eyes be blinded, my son. A" She said. "The mountain road is full of dangers. LOOK carefullyand follow the path which holds the piles of twigs. They will guide you to the familiar way fartherdown". The son's surprised eyes looked back over the path, then at the poor old, shriveled hands allscratched and soiled by their work of love. His heart smote him and bowing to the grounds, he criedaloud: "oh, Honorable mother, thy kindness thrusts my heart! I will not leave thee. Together we willfollow the path of twigs, and together we will die!"Once more he shouldered his burden (how light it seemed no) and hastened down the path,through the shadows and the moonlight, to the little hut in the valley. Beneath the kitchen floor wasa walled closet for food, which was covered and hidden from view. There the son his mother,supplying her with everything needful and continually watching and fearing. Time passed, and hewas beginning to feel safe when again the governor sent forth heralds bearing an unreasonableorder, seemingly as a boast of his power. His demand was that his subject should present him witha rope of ashes. The entire province trembled with dread. The order must be obeyed yet who in allShining could make a rope of ashes?One night, in great distress, the son whispered the news to his hidden mother. "Wait!" she said. "Iwill think. I will think" On the second day she told him what to do. "Make rope twisted straw," shesaid. "Then stretch it upon a row of flat stones and burn it there on the windless night. " He calledthe people together and did as she said and when the blaze and died, behold upon the stones with every twist and fiber showing perfectly. Lay a rope of whithead ashes. The governor was pleased at the wit of the youth and praised greatly, but he demanded to knowwhere he had obtained his wisdom. "Alas! Alas!" cried the farmer, "the truth must be told!" andwith deep bows he related his story. The governor listened and then meditated in silence. Finally helifted his head. "Shining needs more than strength of youth, " he said gravely. "Ah, that I shouldhave forgotten the well-know saying, "with the crown of snow, there cometh a wisdom!" That veryhour the cruel law was abolished, and custom drifted into as far a past that only legends remain.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
The Aged Mother is a Japanese folktale about a cruel ruler who issues a decree to abandon all elderly people in an effort to preserve resources. A farmer disobeys the order and takes his aged mother to the mountains to spare her. With the help of his wise mother, the farmer learns valuable lessons and returns to teach the ruler compassion and understanding.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Who are the characters in the story of The Aged Mother a Japanese folktale?
The main characters in the Japanese folktale "The Aged Mother" are the Emperor, his decree to abandon elderly parents, the woodcutter’s son, and the woodcutter's aged mother. The story follows the woodcutter and his mother as they face the Emperor's decree and embark on a journey to the mountain where the mother imparts wisdom that saves the village from famine.
What are the elements of the story of The Aged Mother a Japanese folktale?
"The Aged Mother" is a Japanese folktale that follows a mother and her son as they face a harsh government decree that all elderly people must be abandoned and left to die. The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the wisdom that comes with old age. It emphasizes the importance of respecting and valuing the elderly.
What is the point of view about the story of The Aged Mother Japanese folktale?
The point of view in "The Aged Mother" Japanese folktale is third person omniscient, where the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters. This allows the reader to gain insight into the perspectives of both the aged mother and her son, highlighting themes of love, sacrifice, and wisdom.
What is the climax of the aged mother Japanese folktale?
The climax of "The Aged Mother" Japanese folktale is when the ruler orders all old people to be taken up to the mountain and left to die, including his own mother. The emotional confrontation between the mother and son at this moment brings the story to a dramatic peak.
What is the symbolize the story of the aged mother a Japanese folktale?
"The Story of the Aged Mother" symbolizes the importance of wisdom, sacrifice, and the bond between a mother and her child. It teaches valuable lessons about the reverence for elders and the significance of familial love and duty in Japanese culture.
What is the answered story about the story of The Aged Mother-japanese folktale?
suma nimo adic mhan ca
Who write The story of an aged mother-a Japanese folktale?
Matsuo Basho, a Japanese poet who lived in the 17th century, was the original writer of The Aged Mother.
Who are the characters in the story of The Aged Mother a Japanese folktale?
The main characters in the Japanese folktale "The Aged Mother" are the Emperor, his decree to abandon elderly parents, the woodcutter’s son, and the woodcutter's aged mother. The story follows the woodcutter and his mother as they face the Emperor's decree and embark on a journey to the mountain where the mother imparts wisdom that saves the village from famine.
Is Matsuo Basho part of the Story of The Aged Mother?
No, Matsuo Basho is not part of the Story of the Aged Mother. Basho was a famous Japanese poet known for his haiku poetry, while "The Story of the Aged Mother" is a traditional Japanese folktale that tells the tale of a mother and her son.
What are the elements of the story of The Aged Mother a Japanese folktale?
"The Aged Mother" is a Japanese folktale that follows a mother and her son as they face a harsh government decree that all elderly people must be abandoned and left to die. The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the wisdom that comes with old age. It emphasizes the importance of respecting and valuing the elderly.
What is the point of view about the story of The Aged Mother Japanese folktale?
The point of view in "The Aged Mother" Japanese folktale is third person omniscient, where the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters. This allows the reader to gain insight into the perspectives of both the aged mother and her son, highlighting themes of love, sacrifice, and wisdom.
What is the climax of the aged mother Japanese folktale?
The climax of "The Aged Mother" Japanese folktale is when the ruler orders all old people to be taken up to the mountain and left to die, including his own mother. The emotional confrontation between the mother and son at this moment brings the story to a dramatic peak.
What is the symbolize the story of the aged mother a Japanese folktale?
"The Story of the Aged Mother" symbolizes the importance of wisdom, sacrifice, and the bond between a mother and her child. It teaches valuable lessons about the reverence for elders and the significance of familial love and duty in Japanese culture.
Where did the story of The Aged Mother happen?
The story of "The Aged Mother" is a Japanese folktale that takes place in ancient Japan, where an old emperor ruled the land. The story highlights the values of love, wisdom, and nature.
What is Japanese tradition of the story of the aged mother?
The story of the aged mother is a traditional Japanese folktale that highlights the love and sacrifices made by a mother for her son. It conveys moral lessons about respecting and caring for elders. The story is also a reminder of the wisdom passed down through generations.
What is the style of the story of the aged mother?
"The Story of the Aged Mother" is a folktale written in a traditional Japanese style, with themes of filial piety, love, and wisdom. It is a simple and straightforward narrative with a moral lesson at its core.
Who is the character of the story of The Aged Mother a Japanese folktale?
The character of The Aged Mother is a wise old woman who acts as the protagonist of the Japanese folktale. She is known for her knowledge and compassion, and she plays a significant role in teaching her son the importance of nature and filial love.
