Old-World Japan: Legends of the Land of the Gods

List of Illustrations

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Heading to “The Birth-Time of the Gods” 3
When he had so said, he plunged his jewelled spear into the seething mass below 5
Heading to “The Sun-Goddess” 17
Ama-terasu gazed into the mirror, and wondered greatly when she saw therein a goddess of exceeding beauty 21
Heading to “The Heavenly Messengers” 27
As the Young Prince alighted on the sea-shore, a beautiful earth-spirit, Princess Under-Shining, stood before him 29
Heading to “Prince Ruddy-Plenty” 37
But the fair Uzume went fearlessly up to the giant, and said: “Who is it that thus impedes our descent from heaven?” 39
Heading to “The Palace of the Ocean-Bed” 47
Suddenly she saw the reflection of Prince Fire-Fade in the water 51
Heading to “Autumn and Spring” 59
One after the other returned sorrowfully home, for none found favour in her eyes 63
Heading to “The Star Lovers” 69
The lovers were wont, standing on the banks of the celestial stream, to waft across it sweet and tender messages 71
Heading to “The Island of Eternal Youth” 79
Soon he came to its shores, and landed as one in a dream 83
Heading to “Rai-Taro, the Son of the Thunder-God” 89
The birth of Rai-taro 93
Heading to “The Souls of the Children” 99
Heading to “The Moon-Maiden” 105
At one moment she skimmed the surface of the sea, the next her tiny feet touched the topmost branches of the tall pine trees 109
Heading to “The Great Fir Tree of Takasago” 115
Heading to “The Willow of Mukochima” 123
Heading to “The Child of the Forest” 131
Kintaro reigned as prince of the forest, beloved of every living creature 135
Heading to “The Vision of Tsunu” 143
On a plot of mossy grass beyond the thicket, sat two maidens of surpassing beauty 147
Heading to “Princess Fire-Fly” 153
But the Princess whispered to herself, “Only he who loves me more than life shall call me bride” 155
Heading to “The Sparrow’s Wedding” 163
Heading to “The Love of the Snow-White Fox” 173
With two mighty strokes, he felled his adversaries to the ground 177
Heading to “Nedzumi” 183
Heading to “Koma and Gon” 191