“The Ashes That Made Trees Bloom” by William Elliot Griffis

Introduction:

• This Japanese folktale revolves around an honest and hardworking old couple, their pet dog, and their envious neighbors. It highlights themes of kindness, greed, and the supernatural intervention of the dog’s spirit.

Key Points:

1. Old Couple and Their Dog:

   • The old couple, having no children, adored their pet dog Muko, treating it like their own child.
   • The dog was given the best food and a cushion to sit on, reciprocating their love with loyalty and affection.

2. Discovery of Gold:

   • The old man was a kind rice farmer who took his dog to the fields every day.
   • One day, Muko led the old man to a spot where, upon digging, he found a pile of gold.
   • The couple became rich, bought land, and generously shared their wealth with friends and poor neighbors.

3. Greedy Neighbors:

   • A wicked couple, envious of the old couple’s fortune, coaxed Muko into their garden, hoping he would lead them to treasure.
   • Muko reluctantly dug at a spot, but instead of gold, the neighbors found a dead kitten.
   • In a fit of rage, they killed Muko and buried him in their garden.

4. Dog’s Spirit Appears:

   • The old man, devastated by Muko’s death, mourned at the dog’s grave.
   • Muko’s spirit appeared in a dream, instructing the old man to make a mortar and a mill from the pine tree over his grave.

5. Magic Mortar and Mill:

   • Following the spirit’s instructions, the old man made a mortar and a mill.
   • During New Year’s, they used the mortar and mill, and magically, the rice pastry and bean sauce turned into gold.

6. Greedy Neighbors Again:

   • The envious neighbors borrowed the mortar and mill but only produced foul-smelling worms.
   • In anger, they destroyed the items and burned the pieces.

7. Magic Ashes:

   • Muko’s spirit guided the old man again, telling him to collect the ashes of the burned mill.
   • Sprinkling the ashes on withered trees made them bloom.

8. Impressing the Daimio:

   • The old man sprinkled ashes on a cherry tree, making it bloom in front of the passing daimio (a feudal lord).
   • The daimio was impressed, rewarded the old man with gifts, and invited him to his castle.

9. Neighbors’ Failed Attempt:

   • The greedy neighbor tried the same trick but failed, causing chaos and being punished by the daimio’s men.
   • The greedy neighbor met a miserable end, while the kind old couple lived happily and prosperously.

Themes and Messages:

• Kindness vs. Greed: The kind old couple is rewarded for their love and generosity, while the greedy neighbors face dire consequences for their selfishness.
• Supernatural Assistance: The spirit of the dog aids the couple, demonstrating loyalty and the power of good deeds.
• Justice and Retribution: The story underlines moral justice, where good is rewarded, and evil is punished.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why did the neighbors kill the dog?

   • The neighbors killed the dog out of frustration and anger when they did not find treasure, only a dead kitten.

2. Mark the right item:

   • The old farmer and his wife loved the dog:
     • (b) as if it was their own baby.
   • When the old couple became rich, they:
     • (c) lived comfortably and were generous towards their poor neighbors.
   • The greedy couple borrowed the mill and the mortar to make:
     • (c) a pile of gold.