The White Hare of Inaba
Traditional | Japan
A white hare on an island tricks crocodiles to cross the sea but loses its fur, only to find help and friendship with a kind prince.
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Once upon a time, there was a special and beautiful white hare. This hare had shiny, bright white fur that looked like the moon on a clear night. The hare lived on a small island near the coast but always wanted to see the big land called Inaba.
One day, he looked at the distant shore and saw some crocodiles swimming in the sea. He quickly thought of a clever plan.
He shouted to the crocodiles, "Hey, crocodiles! Let's play a game. We'll see if there are more of you or more of me. Line up from here to the mainland, and I'll count you as I jump over each one."
The crocodiles liked the idea and agreed. They lined up from the island to the shore, making a crocodile bridge across the sea. The white hare was happy and began to hop from one crocodile to another, counting, "One, two, three..."
When he almost reached the mainland, he shouted, "I tricked you! I just wanted to cross the sea, and I used you as my bridge!" The last crocodile, hearing this, got very angry. As the hare was about to jump off, the crocodile snapped its jaws and tore off all the hare's beautiful fur.
Now the hare was in pain and had no fur to protect him from the sun and wind. He felt sorry and sad, not knowing what to do. While sitting on the beach, some travelers came by. They were brothers, princes from a distant land, searching for a princess to marry.
Seeing the hare hurting, the brothers stopped. The oldest brother, who was quite proud, told the hare, "If you want your fur to grow back, go bathe in the salty sea and then dry off in the wind."
Trusting him, the hare did as he was told. But bathing in the salty water hurt his skin badly, and the wind made it even worse. In pain, he cried out, and the youngest brother heard him. This brother was kind and caring.
He said, "No, no, dear hare. My brother gave you bad advice. It would be best if you washed in the river's fresh water and then roll in the soft, fluffy cattail fluff. That will help your skin and make your fur grow back."
The hare followed the young prince's advice, and soon he felt much better. His skin was calm, and his fur grew back even whiter and shinier than before. He thanked the young prince for his kindness, and they became great friends.
From that day on, the white hare happily lived in Inaba and never tried to trick anyone again.
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