Myths & More

"The Legend of Princess Tamatori," illustrated by Natalie Homsher “You lost the jewel?” The Empress spoke, dangerously low. The head council did his best not to flinch, but failed. His skin crawled in fear. He began to speak. “Your majesty, I-“ “Go.” She didn’t have time for his apologies. They were in the middle of a war, and without the power of the jewel to destroy their enemy, their chances of winning would be slim to none. “And don’t come back without the jewel.” She turned her back on him, and the councilman knew that he was dismissed indefinitely. — Takeuchi looked over the steep cliff side and into the ocean, staring into the emerald depths below. He peered through the waters in search in the gem, to no avail. The Jewel of Heart’s Desire, the one thing that could save the country of turmoil, was lost. Worse, he had disappointed his love, Empress Jingū. He stared at the jagged rocks below in despair. Nearby, the pearl divers had returned from work and swum up to sh...

Illustration by Utagawa Kuniyoshi Link to story. Title: The Quest of the Jewel Publication: The Romance of Old Japan, 1917 Author: E. W. Champney and F. Champney Notes: Elizabeth Williams Champney (February 6, 1850—October 13, 1922) was an American author and world traveler. Her son, Edouard Frère Champney (May 4, 1874—June 4, 1929) was born in France and worked as an architect. Elizabeth’s “Romance” books, based on her travels and myths from around the world, were co-written with her son. This legend is a continuation of “The Jewel of the Heart’s Desire,” following the story of Empress Jingū, while fighting against the Korean navy, has lost the Tide Jewel. Characters: Takeuchi, the court minister Tamatori, the fisher maid Empress Jingū Benten, Ryūjin’s daughter Ryūjin, the sea dragon Places: Japan Events: Empress Jingū banishes Takeuchi for losing the Jewel of Heart’s Desire Takeuchi resolves to throw himself off a cliff Tamatori, in love with...

Shinto Shrine Mirror Link to story. Title: The Miraculous Mirror Publication: The Romance of Old Japan, 1917 Author: E. W. Champney and F. Champney Notes: Elizabeth Williams Champney (February 6, 1850—October 13, 1922) was an American author and world traveler. Her son, Edouard Frère Champney (May 4, 1874—June 4, 1929) was born in France and worked as an architect. Elizabeth’s “Romance” books, based on her travels and myths from around the world, were co-written with her son.  Characters: Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess Susa-no-wo, Demon of Fire Uzume, Goddess of Laughter Taji-Karaô, The Strong Places: Japan Events:  Amaterasu gives bountiful light and controls the day While traveling in her shuttle, Susa-no-wo scares Amaterasu Amaterasu flees and hides in a cave The people miss the Sun Goddess Uzume crafts a mirror of gold to trick Amaterasu Amaterasu, jealous of her reflection, is lured out of the cave Taji-Karaô blocks of t...