Kaguyahime: A Japanese Urban Legend

Kaguyahime, or Princess Kaguya, is one of the most famous characters in Japanese folklore. She is the protagonist of Taketori Monogatari (The Tale of the Bamboo-Cutter), the oldest Japanese tale written in the early Heian period (794-1185). The story tells how a mysterious girl of nine centimetres emerged from a bamboo stalk, grew up to be a beautiful woman, and returned to the moon, her true home.

But is Kaguyahime a true story or a myth? Some people believe that there is a hidden truth behind this urban legend, and that Kaguyahime was actually an alien who visited Earth. In this article, we will explore the evidence and arguments for and against this theory, and try to answer the question: Was Kaguyahime a real person?

The Story of Kaguyahime

The story of Kaguyahime begins with an old bamboo-cutter named Taketori no Okina(Okina means the elder), who found a glowing bamboo stalk in the forest. He cut it open and discovered a tiny girl inside, no bigger than his thumb. He took her home and raised her as his daughter, naming her Kaguyahime, which means “shining princess”.

Kaguyahime grew up very fast, becoming a full-grown woman in just three months. She was so beautiful that many noblemen and princes wanted to marry her, but she rejected them all. She also had a strange habit of looking at the moon and crying at night.

One day, she revealed to her adoptive father that she was not from this world, but from the moon. She said that she had been sent to Earth as a punishment for some crime, and that the moon people would come to take her back soon. She asked him to prepare a feast and a robe of feathers for her departure.

On the night of the full moon, a huge cloud descended from the sky, and a celestial chariot emerged from it. The moon people came to fetch Kaguyahime, and gave her a potion that erased her memories of Earth. She reluctantly left her adoptive father and the world she had known, and returned to the moon.

The Alien Theory

The story of Kaguyahime is a classic example of a fairy tale, but some people think that there is more to it than meets the eye. They argue that Kaguyahime was actually an alien who came to Earth in a spaceship, and that the story is a distorted account of a real historical event.

The proponents of this theory point out several details in the story that suggest a connection to extraterrestrial phenomena. For instance, they claim that:

• The glowing bamboo stalk that contained Kaguyahime was actually a capsule or a pod that carried her to Earth.

• The rapid growth and beauty of Kaguyahime were due to her alien genetics and advanced technology.

• The robe of feathers that Kaguyahime wore was actually a spacesuit that enabled her to survive in space.

• The potion that Kaguyahime drank was actually a drug that induced amnesia and made her forget her earthly life.

• The cloud and the chariot that took Kaguyahime away were actually a cloaked UFO and a beam of light that transported her to the spaceship.

The supporters of this theory also cite some historical and cultural evidence to back up their claims. For example, they mention that:

• The Heian period, when the story was written, was a time of cultural and technological innovation in Japan, influenced by foreign contacts and trade. It is possible that the story was inspired by some exotic or unfamiliar objects or phenomena that the Japanese encountered at that time.

• The moon has always been a symbol of mystery and spirituality in Japanese culture, and a source of inspiration for many legends and myths. It is possible that the moon was used as a metaphor or a cover-up for something else that the Japanese could not explain or understand.

• The story of Kaguyahime has many similarities with other stories and legends from around the world that involve visitors from the sky, such as the ancient astronaut theory, the star children, and the virgin births. It is possible that these stories are based on a common origin or a shared experience of human contact with aliens.

The Myth Theory

However, not everyone agrees with the alien theory. Many people think that the story of Kaguyahime is nothing more than a myth, a product of human imagination and creativity. They argue that the story is a symbolic and artistic expression of human emotions and values, and that there is no need to look for a literal or scientific explanation for it.

The opponents of this theory point out several flaws and weaknesses in the alien theory. For instance, they claim that:

• The glowing bamboo stalk that contained Kaguyahime was a common motif in Japanese folklore, representing purity, fertility, and prosperity. It was not a unique or unusual feature of the story, but a symbolic and poetic device.

• The rapid growth and beauty of Kaguyahime were not realistic or natural, but exaggerated and idealized. They were meant to emphasize her divine and supernatural nature, and to contrast her with the mundane and corrupt world of humans.

• The robe of feathers that Kaguyahime wore was a traditional garment worn by celestial beings in Japanese mythology, such as tennyo (heavenly maidens) and henge (shapeshifters). It was not a functional or technological item, but a cultural and religious symbol.

• The potion that Kaguyahime drank was a common trope in fairy tales and myths, representing the loss of identity and memory, and the separation from one’s true self and origin. It was not a specific or scientific substance, but a metaphorical and psychological element.

• The cloud and the chariot that took Kaguyahime away were typical images of ascension and transcendence in many cultures and religions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. They were not literal or physical phenomena, but artistic and spiritual expressions.

The critics of this theory also cite some logical and factual evidence to refute their claims. For example, they mention that:

• The Heian period, when the story was written, was a time of cultural and political isolation and conservatism in Japan, marked by the decline of foreign contacts and trade. It is unlikely that the story was influenced by some exotic or unfamiliar objects or phenomena that the Japanese encountered at that time.

• The moon has always been a symbol of beauty and sorrow in Japanese culture, and a source of inspiration for many poems and songs. It is likely that the moon was used as a metaphor or a tribute for something else that the Japanese admired or lamented, such as love, death, or nature.

• The story of Kaguyahime has many differences with other stories and legends from around the world that involve visitors from the sky, such as the ancient astronaut theory, the star children, and the virgin births. It is likely that these stories are based on different origins or different experiences of human imagination and culture.

Conclusion

So, was Kaguyahime a real person or a myth? The answer is not clear or simple. There are arguments and evidence for and against both theories, and each one has its own merits and flaws. Ultimately, it depends on how you interpret and appreciate the story, and what you want to believe.

The story of Kaguyahime is a fascinating and captivating tale that has captivated generations of readers and listeners. It is a rich and complex story that can be enjoyed and analyzed in many ways, and that can reveal different meanings and messages depending on the perspective and context. It is a story that reflects the human curiosity and creativity, and the human desire and dilemma.

What do you think about the story of Kaguyahime? Do you think she was an alien or a myth? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below. And if you liked this article, please share it with your friends and family. Thank you for reading!