I have been reading the epics from different countries. Not just mythology but heros- real and myth- that countries cling to and make art and movies of
Was reading the sagas from Norse countries and then Beowulf and King Arthur.
I then read some Indian myths and the Mahabharata
Then I read some “american myths” about cowboys and whatnot
Now I’m looking for a book that would contain stories about samurai and vanquishing demons. Classic folk tales and myths that would represent Japan?
I’ve read about minamoto yoshitsune and loved it. I read the 47 ronin and loved it. Read about Saigon Takemori and loved it. Are there any books along these lines with Japanese folk heros and maybe some that are more mythology/legend? Legends like King Arthur or Johnny Appleseed or Jon of Arc or the 300 Spartans or the Monkey King?
Edit- guess I wrote this funny can someone *point me* to a specific title or collection that would fit these guidelines.
https://www.reddit.com/r/japan/comments/13wz69r/is_there_a_book_that_contains_japanese_myths_and/
7 comments
Junkudo has whole section of those
Yes… books exist on pretty much everything…
No. Such a book doesn’t exist anywhere.
If you like graphic novels, Stan Sakai’s “Usagi Yojimbo” is heavily based on Miyamoto Musashi.
Try the Kojiki, Nihon Shoki, and the Heike Monogatari. Mix of legends, myths, and historical records.
Water Margin
Civilization and Monsters by Gerald Figal