The Tale of The Princess Kaguya

As the bamboo cutter discovered a radiant bamboo shoot, this pivotal moment sparked a series of events that would dramatically change their lives forever. Within this glowing miracle, they found a tiny maiden, whom they lovingly named Princess. As she grew up, the villagers affectionately called her Takenoko, a name that perfectly captured her astonishing growth and vivacious spirit. Among her closest friends was Sutemaru, a gentle and kind-hearted boy who formed a profound bond with her.

The bamboo cutter later unearthed treasures such as gold and fine fabrics in the bamboo grove, evidence of Princess’s celestial heritage. Inspired by these findings, he devised an elaborate plan to elevate her social status. With a heavy heart and a sense of duty, he moved the family from their simple life in the countryside to the opulent capital. Their once modest home was transformed into a grand mansion filled with servants and extravagant luxuries. To mold her into a refined lady, a strict governess was brought in, but the transition proved challenging for the girl, who found it difficult to reconcile her new, opulent surroundings with her humble beginnings.

As Princess Kaguya—her elegant name bestowed upon her at adulthood—navigated this alien world, she sought comfort in the presence of Sutemaru and her group of friends. However, when the truth about her origins surfaced, desperation drove her to flee the capital, longing for the familiar landscapes of her childhood. Unfortunately, upon her return, she found that her friends had moved on, leaving her feeling abandoned and adrift.

With the passage of time, a newfound beauty illuminated Princess Kaguya, attracting admirers from distant lands. Five noble suitors attempted to win her heart, likening her beauty to the treasures of ancient myths. Yet, she remained elusive, declaring that only one who could retrieve her coveted prize would gain her affection.

When spring blossomed, Princess Kaguya longed to witness the cherry blossoms in their full splendor. Accompanied by her mother and a loyal handmaiden, she returned to the countryside to see a magnificent tree near her old home. As she twirled joyfully amid the delicate petals, her happiness was abruptly interrupted when she encountered an innocent child. The family’s heartfelt apology and swift departure served as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities tied to her noble new identity.

As the royal carriage drew near to the capital, a sudden uproar outside caught Kaguya’s attention. Her quick instincts recognized Sutemaru amid the chaos, as he was caught stealing a chicken. Incensed, she leapt from the carriage, only to retreat in horror as reality struck. The would-be thief faced a vicious beating from pursuers, his cries ringing out through the streets.

After this turmoil, four suitors endeavored to win her heart, each presenting a token—be it a phony gift, a bouquet, or a collection of treasures. Yet, only one suitor, the fourth, displayed genuine kindness, gifting her a bloom instead of something far more valuable. Tragically, this noble gesture was thwarted when his wife intervened before Kaguya could even respond.

These repeated rejections deeply impacted Kaguya, leading her into a profound melancholy. At her lowest point, the Emperor of Japan, intrigued by her otherworldly beauty, set his sights on abducting her. Kaguya, however, expertly turned the tables on him, begging him to desist as she revealed her true essence.

As secrets unfurled, Kaguya openly shared with her parents her extraordinary past: she was originally from the Moon, having violated its laws in her longing for mortal experiences on Earth. When the Emperor’s relentless pursuit became unbearable, she silently sought the Moon’s help, leading to the restoration of her memories and a promise of reclamation at the next full moon.

Torn between her affection for Earth and the call of the Moon, Kaguya expressed a heartfelt attachment to her life here, which moved her father to take a stand, pledging to protect her by fortifying their mansion into an impregnable fortress.

Amid these challenges, Kaguya returned to her childhood village and stumbled upon Sutemaru again, rekindling their love amidst a whirlwind of joy and fervor. As they reveled in their happiness while soaring above the landscapes, their bliss was fleeting as they encountered a divine procession from the Moon, led by the Buddha. The fortress’s strength, once thought unbeatable, crumbled under this celestial onslaught.

As night descended on the eve of the full moon, a servant presented Kaguya with a sacred garment that would erase all her memories of Earth. With tears streaming down her cheeks, she bid an emotional farewell to her family and friends, embracing them one last time before being enveloped by the robe. With heavy hearts, the bamboo cutter and his wife were left to mourn their loss.

As Kaguya turned back to cast her gaze upon the distant Earth, her eyes brimmed with tears—a striking representation of her bittersweet goodbye to the world she had come to love.

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 17:54