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Folktales Across Asia’s Many Cultures

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East Asian Folktales - Page 3

A panorama of dragons, ancestral spirits, and moral wisdom from China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Mongolia, and Tibet.

Niulang and Zhinü meeting on the magpie bridge under the Milky Way, Chinese folktale scene.

The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl

by Elizabeth Fabowale

October 13, 2025

Asian Folktales·Chinese Folktales·East Asian Folktales

Long ago, in the quiet countryside of ancient China, there lived a gentle young man named Niulang. Orphaned at a young age, he owned little more than an old ox and a small plot of land. Yet his heart was pure, and his kindness shone brighter than any gold. Each morning he led his faithful ox to graze on the

the clever girl defeating Aunt Tiger with boiling water in this Taiwanese folktale.

Asian Folktales·East Asian Folktales·Taiwanese Folktales

The Legend of Aunt Tiger (Hó͘-ko͘-pô)

Long ago in a small village in Taiwan, nestled at the foot of a misty mountain, there lived two young children with their mother. Their home was simple but filled with warmth, laughter, and the scent of rice porridge cooking over a small fire. The children were playful and curious,

Zhu Yingtai and Liang Shanbo transforming into butterflies beside a blossoming tree, Chinese folktale scene

The Chinese Legend of The Butterfly Lovers

In ancient China, during the Eastern Jin dynasty, there lived a young

Akhu Tönpa feeding food into his robe sleeves to teach humility during a Tibetan village feast.

Akhu Tönpa the Trickster

In the high mountains of Tibet, where the wind carries the sound

Urashima Tarō riding a turtle toward the glowing Dragon Palace beneath the sea in a Japanese folktale scene.

The Fisherman Who Journeyed Beneath the Sea

October 13, 2025

Asian Folktales·East Asian Folktales·Japanese Folktales

Long ago, on the quiet coast of Japan, there lived a kind young fisherman named Urashima Tarō. Every morning, he set out with his small wooden boat, casting his nets into the shimmering sea. The villagers respected him for his gentle heart and honesty, for he never took more than

Yohei freeing a white crane in a snowy Japanese forest, symbolizing kindness and gratitude.

The Crane’s Gift of Gratitude

October 13, 2025

Asian Folktales·East Asian Folktales·Japanese Folktales

In a small village surrounded by snow-covered mountains, there once lived a humble man named Yohei. He was kind and hardworking but very poor. Each day, he gathered firewood in the forest and sold it at the market to buy food. Though his house was small and lonely, his heart

Momotarō – Hero of Onigashima Island

October 13, 2025

Asian Folktales·East Asian Folktales·Japanese Folktales

Many centuries ago, when the world was still filled with wonders and mysteries, there lived an old man and his wife in a quiet mountain village of Japan. Their home was small but peaceful, surrounded by rice fields and soft green hills. Each day, the old man went to the

Princess Kaguya rising toward the moon as her parents watch among bamboo trees in a Japanese folktale scene

The Tale of Princess Kaguya

October 13, 2025

Asian Folktales·East Asian Folktales·Japanese Folktales

Long ago, during the graceful age of the Heian court, there lived an old bamboo cutter named Taketori no Okina and his gentle wife. They lived quietly at the edge of a bamboo grove, earning their living by cutting and crafting bamboo into simple objects. Their days were peaceful but

Hua Mulan standing in armor on a battlefield with her sword raised and hair flowing, symbolizing courage and devotion.

The Legend of Hua Mulan

October 13, 2025

Asian Folktales·Chinese Folktales·East Asian Folktales

In ancient China, during the Northern Wei dynasty, there lived a young woman named Hua Mulan. She was the only daughter in a humble family, known for her strength, intelligence, and deep love for her aging parents. Her father, once a brave soldier, had grown weak with illness, and her

Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian standing by West Lake under soft mist, Chinese folktale scene.

The Legend of the White Snake

October 13, 2025

Asian Folktales·Chinese Folktales·East Asian Folktales

Long ago, beside the shimmering waters of West Lake in Hangzhou, there lived a kind young scholar named Xu Xian. He was gentle, honest, and devoted to learning, though he lived a simple life selling medicines by the roadside. Every day, he watched the boats glide over the lake, unaware

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East Asian Folktales - Page 3

The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl

The Legend of Aunt Tiger (Hó͘-ko͘-pô)

The Chinese Legend of The Butterfly Lovers

Akhu Tönpa the Trickster

The Fisherman Who Journeyed Beneath the Sea

The Crane’s Gift of Gratitude

Momotarō – Hero of Onigashima Island

The Tale of Princess Kaguya

The Legend of Hua Mulan

The Legend of the White Snake

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