Step into the magical world of Japanese folklore with the story of an elderly farmer and a formidable Tengu. In this tale, wit and calm prove mightier than brute force as an unflappable farmer outsmarts a towering supernatural creature.
The Farmer and the Tengu
Once upon a time, an elderly farmer walked a mountain path alongside his beloved horse, singing cheerfully as he went.
Suddenly, a grand Tengu appeared from the other side—a towering figure with a nose as thick as the farmer’s arm and a face as red as a freshly baked torii gate—blocking his way.
The two locked eyes, and the Tengu bellowed, “If you do not clear the path, I will eat you!”
Unshaken, the farmer replied coolly, “If you intend to eat me, then show me your magic. If you can grow big, surely you can shrink as well?”
Irritated by the challenge, the Tengu took out his feather fan and chanted, “Tentsuku, tentsuku, tentsuku…” Gradually, his body swelled, and even his nose reached into the sky.
Now enormous, the Tengu reached out, grabbing the farmer and his horse, laughing, “I am Japan’s greatest Tengu! Now I shall devour you!”
But the farmer remained composed and challenged, “Since you can grow big, surely as a leader you can shrink. Prove it!”
In response, the Tengu again wielded his fan, chanting “Shrink, shrink, shrink…” In an instant, he shrank to the size of a bean.
Taking advantage of the moment, the farmer swiftly grabbed the tiny Tengu and swallowed him whole, outsmarting the mighty creature with his cleverness.
Conclusion
This delightful folktale of the Farmer and the Tengu celebrates the triumph of wit over brawn. It reminds us that calm reasoning and ingenuity can defuse even the most daunting challenges.
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