Kaguya-hime

Do-Gooder
Full Name	Kaguya-hime (かぐや姫)
Alias(es)	Princess Kaguya The Bamboo Cutter's Daughter
Origin	The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter (竹取物語, Taketori Monogatari)
Occupation	Princess from the moon
Powers / Skills	Otherworldly beauty and grace Longevity Mystical Influence
Hobby	GracefulPoised and elegant, with a calm and serene demeanor.
Goals	Return to the moon.
Family	Bamboo Cutter and his wife (adoptive parents) Celestial Beings (biological Family) Moon People
Friends / Allies	Unknown
Enemies	Unknown
Type of Hero	Celestial Princess

Kaguya-hime (かぐや姫), also known as Princess Kaguya, is a central figure in one of Japan’s most famous and enduring folktales, "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter" (竹取物語, Taketori Monogatari). This story is considered one of Japan's oldest and most celebrated works of literature, with roots that trace back to the late 10th century.

Kaguya-hime is a celestial princess with a mysterious origin and a captivating beauty that attracts the attention of many suitors. Her story is renowned for its themes of love, mystery, and the impermanence of life, and it has been adapted into numerous forms of art, including literature, theater, and film.

Biography

The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter begins with an old bamboo cutter who discovers a tiny, radiant princess inside a bamboo stalk. He and his wife raise the child, who grows into an extraordinarily beautiful young woman. Her beauty attracts many suitors, but Kaguya-hime sets them seemingly impossible tasks as conditions for marriage, all of which they fail to complete.

Eventually, the truth about Kaguya-hime's origins is revealed. She is not of this world but is actually a celestial being from the Moon. Her time on Earth is a temporary sojourn, and she must return to her lunar home. Despite her profound love for her earthly parents and her many admirers, she ultimately returns to the Moon, leaving behind only memories and the longing of those she left behind.

Key Themes

1. Celestial Origin: Kaguya-hime's true nature as a moon princess highlights themes of divine or otherworldly origins and the transient nature of human life. Her departure to the Moon signifies the inevitable return to one's true home and the impermanence of earthly experiences.
2. Love and Longing': The tale explores the theme of unattainable love, as Kaguya-hime's beauty and the tasks she sets for her suitors create a sense of longing and desire that remains unfulfilled. Her ultimate departure underscores the theme of longing for something that cannot be retained.
3. Impossibility of Fulfillment: The seemingly impossible tasks set for the suitors serve as a metaphor for the unattainable and the futility of trying to possess what is beyond one's reach.

Legacy

Kaguya-hime remains a symbol of beauty and mystery in Japanese folklore. Her story is often cited as an example of the themes of impermanence and celestial beauty in literature. The tale has endured for centuries due to its rich narrative and emotional depth, making it a timeless and cherished part of Japanese cultural heritage.

The story of Kaguya-hime has been adapted into various media, including:

• Literature: The tale has been retold in numerous literary forms, from classical Japanese literature to modern adaptations.
• Theater: Kaguya-hime has been featured in traditional Japanese theater forms, such as Noh and Kabuki.
• Film and Animation: The story has inspired several films and anime adaptations, including Studio Ghibli's critically acclaimed 2013 animated film "The Tale of the Princess Kaguya", directed by Isao Takahata.

Gallery