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Prologue: The Beginning of a Legend
At the foot of Mount Ashigara, there was a village known for its abundant nature and gentle people. In this village lived a beautiful woman named Yaegiri. She was the daughter of a respected woodcarver and was loved by many for her beauty and kindness. Yaegiri married a brave and kind-hearted samurai named Sakata Kurando, and their love was well-known throughout the village.
However, their peaceful days were suddenly overshadowed by the specter of war. Kurando was called to battle to protect the peace of the nation. He asked Yaegiri to protect their son until he returned, and then he set off for the battlefield. The war dragged on, and eventually, tragic news reached the village. Kurando had fought bravely but had fallen in battle.
Yaegiri, while mourning her husband’s death, resolved to continue his legacy and raise their son, Kintaro. However, the aftermath of the war reached the village, and to protect her son and ensure he grew up in peace, Yaegiri decided to move to the secluded depths of Mount Ashigara’s forest.
In the forest, Kintaro received all his mother’s love and grew up freely amidst nature. He befriended the forest animals and learned much from them. Kintaro’s heart grew strong and kind, nurtured by his mother’s gentleness and the harshness of nature.
Chapter One: Life in the Mountains
Yaegiri and Kintaro moved to Mount Ashigara when Kintaro was still young. Their new home was a small wooden house in a secluded forest, surrounded by rich nature. Near their home flowed a clear river, and beautiful flowers bloomed in abundance with each passing season.
Every day, Yaegiri taught Kintaro the importance of nature and how to coexist with living creatures. She passed on wisdom for survival, such as the names of plants, knowledge of medicinal herbs, and how to distinguish edible wild grasses. Kintaro applied what he learned from his mother, using fruits and wild grasses found in the forest to prepare meals together.
Chapter Two: Friendship with the Animals
As Kintaro spent time in the forests of Mount Ashigara, he built deep friendships with many animals. His first friends were a wise family of monkeys. They taught Kintaro how to climb trees and helped enhance his physical abilities. They showed him how to move from tree to tree, imparting balance and agility.
Next, he met a mischievous tanuki. The tanuki taught Kintaro the art of disguise and techniques to blend into the surroundings. Kintaro learned from the tanuki how to become one with nature and an invisible presence.
A strong boar taught Kintaro how to dig up the ground, further strengthening his power. In sumo wrestling with the boar, Kintaro learned to control his strength and understood the responsibility that comes with power.
And a gentle bear taught Kintaro the importance of hugs. Embracing the bear provided Kintaro with peace of mind and taught him the significance of using strength kindly. The bear also taught Kintaro about hibernation and survival skills necessary for life in the forest.
Through interactions with these animals, Kintaro learned the wisdom of living in nature and how to coexist with creatures. He enriched his life in the forest and supported his mother’s life with the knowledge gained from the animals.
Kintaro’s friendship with the animals was bound by a deep connection that transcended their differences. They respected and helped each other, growing together.
Chapter Three: Mother’s Teachings
As Kintaro became accustomed to life in the forest, his mother, Yaegiri, imparted many important teachings to her son. From the time Kintaro was born, Yaegiri showered him with love, nurturing kindness and a spirit of justice in his heart.
Yaegiri taught Kintaro that strength is meant to help and protect others. She explained that those with power have the responsibility to use it rightly. Kintaro cherished this teaching from his mother and used his strength to help the forest animals and people in need.
Yaegiri also taught Kintaro the wisdom of living with nature. She passed on knowledge necessary for life, such as how to cultivate plants, use wild grasses, and cook with river water. Kintaro practiced his mother’s teachings, enriching his life in the forest.
Yaegiri also taught Kintaro the importance of walking the path of humanity. She instructed him on how to interact with people, speak, and show manners, laying the foundation for Kintaro to grow as a member of society.
Chapter Four: Encounter with Minamoto no Yorimitsu
One day, as Kintaro became comfortable with life in the forest and deepened his friendships with the animals, a fateful encounter occurred. Under the clear blue sky, Kintaro was playing and testing his strength with the animals as usual. Then, a group of samurai visited Mount Ashigara, led by the renowned warrior and noble Minamoto no Yorimitsu, who was on a journey to find a new hero.
Minamoto no Yorimitsu had heard rumors of Kintaro and came to verify their truth. He was impressed by Kintaro’s strength and kindness as he played with the animals. Yorimitsu approached Kintaro and offered to take him in as his retainer.
After consulting with his mother, Kintaro accepted Minamoto no Yorimitsu’s offer. Yaegiri supported her son’s decision, hoping he would thrive in a larger world. Kintaro bid farewell to his mother and the animals and set off for Kyoto with Yorimitsu.
Chapter Five: The Heroic Tale of Sakata Kintoki
Upon arriving in Kyoto, Kintaro was given a new name, “Sakata Kintoki,” and began a new life as one of Minamoto no Yorimitsu’s Four Heavenly Kings. Kintoki trained rigorously as a samurai under Yorimitsu, mastering swordsmanship, archery, and horsemanship, and eventually became a trusted subordinate.
Kintoki participated in numerous battles under Yorimitsu, leading many to victory with his bravery and strength. His most famous feat was the adventure of demon-slaying. A terrifying demon named Shuten-doji threatened nearby villages. Kintoki set out on a demon-slaying journey with Yorimitsu.
They headed for the mountain where the demon lived, facing many challenges along the way. However, with Kintoki’s strength and the cooperation of his companions, they reached the demon’s cave. After a fierce battle, Kintoki defeated the demon, bringing relief to the villagers.
Chapter Six: The Path to Legend
As Sakata Kintoki, Kintaro earned numerous military honors as one of Minamoto no Yorimitsu’s Four Heavenly Kings, and his name became known far and wide. His brave deeds became legends that were passed down among the people, influencing generations to come.
Kintoki was not just a samurai but a hero with a compassionate heart for the people. He stood up to villains who bullied the weak and wielded his sword for justice. When disasters or famines occurred, he used his strength to help people, saving many lives.
Kintoki’s most famous legend is the story of demon-slaying. However, his achievements did not end there. Even after a peaceful era arrived, he continued to serve the people. Kintoki passionately taught the techniques of a samurai to the youth, nurturing the heroes of the next generation.
In his later years, Kintoki chose to return to nature. He went back to the forest of Mount Ashigara and reunited with his old animal friends. Kintoki shared his experiences and wisdom with the animals, spending a peaceful retirement in the forest.
The story of Kintaro, also known as Sakata Kintoki, symbolizes courage, kindness, and filial piety. His legend teaches us the responsibility of those with power and the importance of using that power rightly. Kintaro’s story continues to be loved by many, conveying the importance of acting with courage and kindness.