The legend of IssumboshiOnce upon a

The legend of Issumboshi

Once upon a time there was an old couple who didn’t have a child. They lived in a small house near the village forest. ‘’ please give us a child,’’ they asked God everyday
One day, from the household Shinto altar, they heard a cute cry, ‘’ Waa! Waa!’’
They looked and saw a crying baby who looked just like a little finger. ‘’ this child must be a gift from god. Thanks to God!’’
‘’We eill call this child ‘issumboshi’ ‘’ they said.
They raised issumboshi with much care, but Issumboshi never grew bigger.
‘’Hey, issumboshi, do you want to be eaten by a frog?’’
Issumboshi was always being bullied by the children of the village and often went home feeling unhappy.
Grandmother would make some big rice balls and encourage him. ‘’ Eat a lot, and grow up quickly,’’ Grandmother said.
One day, Issumboshi said, ‘’ I will go to the capital to study and become a respectable person. Then i will come back. ‘’ Granfather and Grandmother were worried about him, but issumboshi’s mind would not be changed. At once they began to prepare for his trip.
Issumboshi sheathed a needle sword in a straw case, put on a cup for a sedge hat, and started out with a chopstick staff, in high spirits.
‘’ i’m going now, ‘’ issumboshi said.
‘’ is he safe? With such a small body?’’ Grandfather andGrandmother asked as they saw him off.
Issumboshi went on the trip with a big wish in a small body.
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At last Issumboshi reached the capital city and anchored under the bridge. Then he climbed up to the railing and ciewed the town.
‘’ there is a fine palace over there. I shall ask them at once.’’
At long last issumboshi arrived at the palace.
‘’excuse me, but i want to meet the feudal lord.’’
The lord came to the door, ‘’What? Who’s there?’’
‘’Here Iam, at your feet.’’
‘’ Oh. How small! Why do you want to meet me?’’
‘’ Please let me be your retainer.’’
‘’ I wonder if your very small body can do anything.’’
‘’I’ll stay in your pocket and guard you from all harm.’’ When Issumboshi said so, a bee came buzzing by. ‘’ yhaa! Issumboshi yelled, stabbing the bee.
‘’Bravo! I employ you. It would be good if you became the Princess’s man.’’
‘’ oh! What a cute fellow he is!’’ said the Princess, putting issmuboshi on her palm
‘’ I will defend you upon my life,’’ said Issumboshi.
The Princess liked Issumboshi, and she taught him reading, writing, and various studies. Further, Issumboshi practiced fencing very hard in order to be strong.
One day the Princess went out to worship at the Kiyomizu Temple. Suddenly there was a strong wond , and some demonsappeared.the leaderof thedemons tried to grab the Princess.
‘’ help me! She screamed. Iddumboshi tried to help her, but the demon caught him and threw ahim into his mouth. Issumboshi, who was swallowed, jabbed and jabbed the demon’s stomach. The demon rolled over and spat out Issumboshi.
Issumboshi jumped at the demon and stabbed his eyes. The remaining demons were frightened. They ran away in great haste, but one demon, who was left behind, tembled while holding the magic hammer.
‘’ do you want meto stab your eyes, too?’’ Issumbsohi asked.
‘’ Please, don’t. This is the magic hammer that will grant you a wish. I give it to you, so please spare me. ‘’ and saying this, he ran off in a hurry.
‘’ thank you, Issumboshi. You have saved my life,’’ the Princess said.
‘’ princess, please wace tis magic hammer and make a wish that I may become big,’’ said Issumbsohi. The princess waved it and asked, ‘’ may Issumbsohi become big!’’
And then, strangely, before her eyes,Issumboshi began to grow. He grew into a nice young man. They went back to the palace and the proncess asked the to let her marry Issumboshi.
The Princess and Issumboshi then got married, and they invited Grandfather and Grandmother to live with ther in the palace. They lived happily ever after.