Japanese legends, Davis retelling
Issunboshi
A child born after his parents’ prayers remains extraordinarily small even as he grows older. His journey equips ordinary household objects as a boat, paddle and weapon. After confronting oni with his needle, he receives the benefit of a magic mallet. The princess uses it to transform him into a boy of ordinary size.
Also known as One-Inch Priest
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In the sources
Account in the source
TraditionalA child born after his parents’ prayers remains extraordinarily small even as he grows older. His journey equips ordinary household objects as a boat, paddle and weapon.
Further detail
TraditionalAfter confronting oni with his needle, he receives the benefit of a magic mallet. The princess uses it to transform him into a boy of ordinary size.
Context & interpretation
This entry concerns the hero of Davis’s tale rather than a historical person or a biological case. The tiny scale, encounter with oni and mallet transformation are traditional narrative elements. One-Inch Priest is a translated name in this source, not proof of an ordained religious status.
Original passages
Source 1
Myths and Legends of Japan
he still remained the same size as when he was bornOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Davis, Myths & Legends of Japan, active reader leaf 394
Checked against the active prepared edition; reader leaf and original-page mapping verified, spacing normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0052-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0052-E001-P0394
- Original scan leaf
- 428
- Recorded leaf number
- 428
- Current Reader position
- 393
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Source 2
Myths and Legends of Japan
transformed from a bijou creature to a lad just like other youths of his ageOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Davis, Myths & Legends of Japan, active reader leaf 396
Checked against the active prepared edition; reader leaf and original-page mapping verified, spacing normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0052-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0052-E001-P0396
- Original scan leaf
- 430
- Recorded leaf number
- 430
- Current Reader position
- 395
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed