People say I am the most beautiful dancer in Yedo. My father was a samurai, but after he died, my mother and I had no food to eat, so I sold myself into bondage. The money that bought me is called Namida no Kané, which means “the money of tears.” I dwell in the narrow...
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Witch Who Makes a Mask
Themes: Deception | Humor | Necessity
Oh, I've lived a long time, so I have developed quite a bit of magic skill. I like to prepare concoctions and I have acquired a good number of useful tools over the years. One of them is a magic mirror through which I can see anyone, and by which I can take their...
Discharged and Penniless Soldier
I had been discharged from the army without a penny to my name, and I wandered into the forest. After I'd walked for a little while, I met a little man who asked me why I looked so sad. I told him I was hungry, and I had no money. He said, "If you will hire yourself...
Grey Man in the Enchanted Castle
I am the only one alive in this enchanted castle. If you find me here in my locked room, I will show you how to break the spell. The tasks are inscribed on a stone table. Look here. There are three. No one has even completed the first task, let alone all three. Shall...
Tom Thumb’s Mother
Themes: Hope | Hunger | Loss | Necessity
My husband thinks that we should leave our little boys in the forest when they're out tying fagots tomorrow. I can't do it! Yet, we're so desperately poor. Not one of them is old enough to earn a living. The youngest is puny, and he hardly ever speaks a word. When he...
Blindfolded Cobbler
I open my stall early today and get myself a prime spot near the gates of town. Then a beautiful young woman approaches me. A vision! She puts a piece of gold in my hand and tells me to take my needle and thread and follow her. I assume she has some stitchwork for me...
Blacksmith of Norroway
Themes: Advancement | Necessity | Reciprocity
I live at the bottom of a glass hill. You can't go around it. You have to go over it. I will make you a pair of iron shoes that will do the job. In exchange, however, I will ask you to serve me for seven years. I watched a young woman come to the hill. She was sobbing...
Elf Maiden
Themes: Attachment | Necessity
When we arrived on the island, my sister and I brought a basket of provisions to the hut. As we were going back to the ship, I noticed the form of a man crouching behind a bundle of sticks. We were frightened, but he looked at us with peaceful eyes. We drew closer,...