Jiro and the Giant: A Japanese Tale of Courage and Wit

Brief Description: Jiro is a brave boy who used his resourcefulness and cunning to defeat an evil giant threatening his village. This tale teaches that intelligence is more important than strength, and that courage helps overcome difficulties.

In a small village surrounded by mountains lived a boy named Jiro. He was known for his ingenuity and kindness. Everyone in the village loved him for his ability to find a way out of the most difficult situations. But one day, the peace of the village was disturbed by a terrible giant. He descended from the mountains, destroying fields, tearing down houses, and scaring the people.

The villagers were in a panic. They gathered in the square to discuss how to deal with the threat. But no one dared to go to the giant. Then Jiro raised his hand and said:

— I will go and drive him away! — But you are just a child! — exclaimed the elder. — It doesn't matter. Sometimes intelligence can defeat strength, — Jiro replied confidently.

He took only a few rice cakes with him and set off for the mountains. Upon reaching the giant's cave, he shouted loudly:

— Hey, giant! Come out if you dare!

A heavy roar echoed from the cave, and an enormous giant came out. His eyes sparkled with anger, and his voice was like thunder:

— Who dared to disturb me? — It's me, Jiro. I have come to show you that you are not so great! — the boy answered bravely.

The giant laughed:

— You want to challenge me? Very well. But if you lose, I will take you with me. — And if I win, you will never return to the village, — Jiro said.

They agreed to hold three trials. The first was a test of strength. The giant lifted a huge boulder and threw it far down the slope. Jiro nodded, approached the boulder, but instead of trying to lift it, the clever boy said:

— I have another strength test. Let's see who among us can strike the rock so that it cracks. — Alright, start! — the giant agreed.

Jiro took out the rice cakes, hard and firm like stone, and struck the rock with them. The rock cracked. The giant, seeing this, became frightened — he thought the boy had broken the rock with his hand.

The next was a test of agility. The giant suggested that Jiro catch a bird flying over the mountain. While the giant slowly moved, trying to catch the bird, Jiro devised a clever plan. He lured the bird by offering it some rice and easily caught it.

— You are too slow, — teased Jiro. — Agility is not your strength.

The final trial was one of courage. The giant wanted to scare the boy with his terrifying roar, but Jiro laughed:

— Is that all you can do? I know a story that will make you run away in fear! — Impossible! Tell me! — said the giant with interest.

Jiro began to tell a made-up story about a great hero who defeated giants with a single glance. He described this hero so vividly that the giant began to fear that this hero really existed. Finally, unable to bear it, he fled back into the mountains in fear, promising never to return.

When Jiro returned to the village, the people greeted him with joy. He proved that courage and the ability to think are more important than brute strength.

Moral of the Story:

This tale teaches that even the most difficult tasks can be solved with intelligence and courage. True strength lies in resourcefulness and the willingness to act for others.

Discussion Questions:

• Why did Jiro decide to challenge the giant?
• In what ways was he able to defeat the giant?
• What does this story teach about the importance of wit and courage?