Tales of Ise

The Tales of Ise is translated by Feng Zikai while the author is unknown. Contents of the book include The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter and The Tales of Ise. The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter is the earliest monogatari literary work in Japan, renowned as the pioneer of monogatari literature in the period of Heian Dynasty. The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter is also known as The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. "e;Bamboo Cutter"e; refers to bamboo cutting, depicting an old bamboo cutter picked up a little girl in the center of the bamboo forest and named her "e;Kaguya"e;. After three months, Kaguya grew into a slim and graceful beautiful young girl. Five scions of noble families proposed to her and she promised to marry the one who could find her favorite treasures. However, all suitors failed. The Emperor wanted to forcefully marry her with power but again was rejected. Finally, Kaguya went to the heaven suddenly in front of all these ordinary people who were out of their wits. The Tales of Ise was created almost in the same period of The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. It is the first "e;Song Monogatari"e; in Japan. The Tales of Ise is mainly about Waka of Ariwara no Narihira, the Emperor Heizei, as well as some Waka by mouths and ears with background or reasons of these Waka. The whole book is consisted of 125 pieces of stories and 206 pieces of Waka with no connection with each other. Each story is independent, seemingly reflecting the life experience of Ariwara no Narihira.