By: thesongist
Myth Origins: Japan
The famous folktale, The Peach Boy (or Momotaro), is a staple story in Japanese folklore history and literary tradition. According to Nahoko Kahara, the first conception of Momotaro dates back all the way to the Muromachi period from 1392 to 1573 (oral version) and to the Edo period from 1603 to 1867 (written version).
The story starts with an elderly couple who desperately want a child of their own. While washing clothes by the river, a giant peach floats down the stream toward her. Thinking that the giant peach would be good to share and eat with her husband, the elderly woman goes back home.
After returning home, she waits until her husband returns from his outing. Once he returns, they both cut open the giant peach to find a baby sleeping in the center! As if their prayers had been answered, the elderly couple chose to adopt and raise the miracle baby as their own. Since they found the baby inside the giant peach, the couple named him "Momotaro," or "Peach Boy."
Many years passed by, and Momotaro was now 15 years old! Raised with abundant love and affection, Momtaro felt indebted to both his adopted parents and his neighbors who helped the elderly couple raise him. Hearing of a band of evil Oni on a nearby island, Momotaro vowed to his adopted parents and his neighbors that he would go and defeat them.
With only a sword and three rice balls, Momotaro set out on his brave yet perilous journey to defeat the evil Oni, who had been terrorizing the nearby villages for far too many moons. Along the way, Momotaro gained three animal companions: A dog, a monkey, and a pheasant.
After giving one rice ball to the dog, the monkey, and the pheasant, all three of the animals joined Momotaro on his journey to defeat the evil Oni! By boat, they crossed the seas to reach Oni Island, where the Oni had captured many young women from their village raids.
Upon reaching Oni Island, the captive young women helped Momotaro and his animal companions sneak into the heavily-guarded fortress. Launching a surprise attack, Momotaro gained the advantage in battle and defeated the evil Oni!
Releasing the captives and collecting the Oni's treasures, Momotaro returned back to his village with his animal companions. Gifting the treasures to his adopted parents, the three of them lived happily and peacefully for the rest of their days. Hurray for Momotaro!