These stories offer us an introduction to the complex oral traditions of the varied civilizations of one of the world's most fascinating regions. Exotic, clever, and poignant, Asian-Pacific Folktales and Legends invites you into a magically distinctive world. Originating from the far corners of the globe—China, Korea, Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia—these tales teach us about morality and mysticism in enchanting ways. Organized by universal folkloric themes, Asian-Pacific Folktales and Legends features animal stories, tales of magical skill, explanations of how things came to be the way they are, delightful depictions of the clever and the foolish, ghosts and supernatural beings, and legends about heroes and gods. From "The Supernatural Crossbow," a Vietnamese tale, to the Malaysian story of "The Man in the Moon," each piece in this collection explores a self-contained, dreamlike universe that both delights and transports the reader. Shaped by the geographical and cultural influences of a people, these stories offer us an introduction to the complex oral traditions of the varied civilizations of one of the world's most fascinating regions. CONTENTS INTRODUCTION HOW THINGS CAME TO BE Pan Gu, Nuwa, and Gonggong China The Sun and the Moon Korea The Salt-Grinding Millstones Japan The Twelve Animals of the Zodiac China Half-Child Indonesia How the Tiger Got His Stripes Vietnam The Mosquito Vietnam The Da-Trang Crabs Vietnam ANIMAL TALES Mouse-Deer Tales Indonesia Three Fox Stones Japan The Jelly-fish and the Monkey Japan The Crackling Mountain Japan The Miraculous Tea-kettle Japan The Turtle and the Monkey Philippines The Mouse Lord Chooses a Bridegroom Japan The Old Tiger and the Hare Korea The Locust, the Ant, and the Kingfisher Korea MYTHS AND LEGENDS Archer Hou Yi and Chang-O China The Herdsboy and the Weaving Maid China The Sea Palace Japan Momotaro, the Peach Boy Japan Kaguya Himé Japan The Ballad of Mulan China The Supernatural Crossbow Vietnam Rajah Soliman’s Daughter Philippines MAGIC GIFTS The Tokkaebi’s Club Korea Ma Liang and His Magic Brush China The Tongue-cut Sparrow Japan Little One Inch Japan Umpong-Umpong and Babakud Malaysia Planting Pears China The Magic Cap Korea The Wonder-Tree Indonesia Serungal Malaysia The Dog and the Cat Korea The Man in the Moon Malaysia The Story of Tam and Cam Vietnam GHOSTS, DREAMS AND THE SUPERNATURAL The Oni’s Laughter Japan The Vampire Cat Japan The Painted Skin China The Man Who Sold a Ghost China The Legend of Arang Korea The Centipede Girl Korea The Crane Wife Japan The Lizard Husband Indonesia The Wolf Dream China Escaping from the Ogre Indonesia The Pedlar’s Son China The Story of Nai Prasop Thailand The Dream at Nam Kha Vietnam CLEVERNESS AND FOOLISHNESS The Glass Stopper Thailand The River God’s Wife China “Of Course!" China King Bato and Asin Philippines Ooka the Wise Japan Wise Magistrates China Poisonous Persimmons Korea Shade Selling Korea Ah Jin’s Unlucky Words China The Magic Herb China The Foolish Son-in-law China
