Princess Kaguya: A Japanese Legend of the Bamboo Girl

Brief Description: Princess Kaguya is one of the oldest Japanese legends. The story of a girl found inside a bamboo stalk, her incredible beauty, and heavenly origin. This legend is a symbol of Japanese culture and the value of destiny.

Long ago, there lived an old woodcutter who chopped bamboo in the forest every day. One day, while walking along a path, he noticed one of the bamboo stalks glowing with a soft light. Intrigued, he cut the stalk, and inside found a tiny girl shining like moonlight. Astonished, he exclaimed:

— This is a heavenly gift!

He carefully took the girl and brought her home. Together with his wife, they decided to raise her as their own daughter. The girl was exceptionally beautiful and radiated kindness. They named her Kaguya. Her growth and development happened incredibly quickly: within a few days, she transformed into a young woman.

From the day Kaguya appeared in their home, the old man began finding gold and precious stones in the bamboo stalks. The family quickly became wealthy, but Kaguya remained their greatest happiness. She was wise and kind, and her beauty became legendary. Rumors about her spread throughout the country.

Kaguya attracted the attention of many suitors. Five noble gentlemen came to ask for her hand, but the girl rejected them all. To rid herself of their persistence, she offered each a difficult task: to bring a bowl of Buddha, a branch with golden leaves, a dress made from the fur of a fire mouse, a shining stone from a dragon’s neck, and a shell that, according to legend, lay in the depths of the ocean. They all failed. Some tried to deceive Kaguya, but she noticed immediately, others gave up in the face of difficulties.

Even the emperor, upon hearing of Kaguya, decided to visit her. When he saw her, he was struck by her grace and wisdom. He offered to make her his wife, but Kaguya declined:

— Your Majesty, I do not belong to this world. My place is in the heavens.

The emperor was touched by her words but did not press further. They began to correspond, and their letters became expressions of deep respect and affection.

Each day, Kaguya grew sadder. One night, under the full moon, she confessed to her adoptive parents:

— I come from the Moon. I was sent to Earth as punishment for a mistake I made in the heavens. But now my time here has ended, and I must return.

Her parents were heartbroken. They begged her to stay, but Kaguya only shook her head sadly. At full moon, a bright light appeared in the sky, and a heavenly chariot descended to Earth. Moon emissaries surrounded the house and gently took Kaguya away.

Before leaving, Kaguya left her parents a letter and an elixir of immortality, saying:

— This elixir will remind you of me. I will always be grateful for your love.

After her departure, the old man, unable to bear the separation, took the elixir to the top of the highest mountain and burned it. It is said that the smoke from this fire still rises from the summit of Mount Fuji, reminding of Princess Kaguya and her heavenly origin.

Moral of the Story:

This story reminds us that even the most beautiful gifts do not belong to us forever. We must cherish the moments of love and care that enrich us spiritually.

Discussion Questions:

• How did the woodcutter find Kaguya and what did she bring to their family?
• Why did Kaguya reject all suitors, including the emperor?
• What is the significance of her return to the Moon?