The Hunchbacked Old Man – A Japanese Legend of Magic and Transformation

Short Description: This Japanese legend tells the story of a kind old man who rid himself of his hump thanks to an encounter with magical beings. A story about transformation through virtue.

Long ago, in a small Japanese village, lived an old man with a large hump on his back. Despite his physical peculiarity, he was a kind and cheerful person. Every day, he went into the forest to gather firewood and enjoyed nature. The villagers loved him for his kindness, but sometimes they laughed at his appearance.

One evening, while gathering firewood, the old man lost track of time. Night fell, and it became dark in the forest. He decided to spend the night under a large tree. Suddenly, he heard melodic singing and saw lights flickering in the forest. Curious, he cautiously approached and witnessed a strange sight.

In a small clearing around a fire danced Yōkai – magical spirits. They sang and celebrated, their dances were both beautiful and frightening. The old man, unafraid, began watching them from his hiding spot.

When one of the Yōkai noticed him, he addressed the old man:

— Who are you, mortal, that you have come into our forest at night? Why are you watching our dances?

The old man bowed and replied:

— Forgive me, I came here by accident. But your dances are so beautiful that I couldn't take my eyes off.

The Yōkai, flattered by his words, offered:

— If you are so impressed, why don't you join us and dance?

The old man did not refuse. He stepped onto the clearing and began to dance along with the spirits. His movements were funny but sincere, and this so amused the Yōkai that they laughed and clapped their hands. Their joy filled the entire forest.

At the end of the evening, the chief Yōkai said:

— You have entertained us, old man. We wish to thank you. Tell us, what do you desire?

The old man thought and said:

— I do not wish for wealth or fame. If you can, help me get rid of the hump that has burdened me all my life.

The chief Yōkai smiled and touched the hump. In an instant, it disappeared, and the old man felt a lightness he had never experienced before.

— Thank you! — he exclaimed. — I will never forget your kindness.

The old man returned to the village, and everyone was amazed by his transformation. He shared his story, but the people who had previously laughed at him became envious. A jealous man with a hump decided to follow his path.

He went into the forest, found the Yōkai, and began to watch them. However, instead of showing sincere admiration, he behaved rudely and demanded that they also rid him of his hump. The Yōkai, angered by his behavior, imposed a punishment on him: a second hump appeared on his chest.

Since then, the villagers understood that kindness and sincerity are more important than appearance. And the story of the old man became a symbol that a good heart is always rewarded.

Moral of the Story:

This story teaches that kindness and sincerity open doors to miracles, while envy and malice lead to misfortune.

Discussion Questions:

• Why was the old man not afraid of the Yōkai, and what saved him?
• How did his kindness help him rid himself of his hump?
• What does this story teach about envy and treating others well?