Fairy Tales of Old Japan

Fairy Tales of Old Japan by William Elliot Griffis is a classic collection of traditional Japanese folklore offering Western readers a window into the spiritual and cultural heart of pre-modern Japan. Drawing from centuries-old legends, Griffis retells tales of brave samurai, loyal animals, mischievous spirits, and celestial beings, including iconic stories like "The Stonecutter" and "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow." These tales, rich in moral lessons and Shinto-Buddhist philosophy, reflect Japan’s reverence for nature, duty, and karma. Written with scholarly care and narrative warmth, the collection preserves the elegance and wisdom of oral tradition. A foundational work in cross-cultural storytelling, it remains a timeless introduction to the myths that shaped Japanese identity.