Momotaro

Encyclopedia : M : MO : MOM : Momotaro

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Momotarō (桃太郎) is a hero from Japanese folklore. His tale is extremely well-known in Japan and East Asia. Literally meaning Peach Tarō, as Tarō is a common Japanese boy's name, it is often translated as Peach Boy.

According to the present form of the tale (dating to the Edo Period), Momotarō came to earth inside a giant peach, which was found floating down a river by an old, childless woman who was washing clothes there. The woman and her husband discovered the child when they tried to open the peach to eat it. The child explained that he had been sent by Heaven to be their son. The couple named him Momotarō, from momo (peach) and tarō (eldest son in the family).

Years later, Momotarō left his parents for an island called Onigashima to destroy the marauding oni (demons or ogres) that had taken up residence there. En route, Momotarō met and befriended a talking dog, monkey, and pheasant, who agreed to help him in his quest. At the island, Momotarō and his animal friends penetrated the demons' fort and beat the demons into surrendering. Momotarō returned home with his new friends, and his family lived comfortably from then on.

Momotarō is strongly associated with Okayama, and his tale may have its origins there. The demon island of the story is sometimes associated with Mega-jima Island due to the vast manmade caverns found on that island.

Momotarō's song

The popular children's song about Momotarō titled Momotarō-san no Uta (Momotarō's Song) was first published in 1911. One version of it is included below with romanization and translation.

See also

• Folklore
• Urashima Taro
• Kintaro

	Japanese Mythology
	Stories and Myths: Kojiki | | Nihon Shoki | Otogizoshi | Yotsuya Kaidan Divinities: List of divinities in Japanese mythology | Kami & Megami | Seven Lucky Gods Legendary Figures: Abe no Seimei | Hidari Jingoro | Kintaro Momotaro | Nezumi Kozo | Tamamo no Mae | Tomoe Gozen | Urashima Tarō Mythical and Sacred Locations: Horai | Mt. Hiei | Mt. Fuji Rashōmon | Ryugu-jo | Suzakumon | Takamagahara | Yomi
	Religions | Sacred Objects | Creatures and Spirits

 

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