Ancient Japanest Texts

[Monadnock]

I found a site that has translations of Shinto texts like the Kojiki, Nihongi, Yengishiki and Kogoshui for those that may be interested.

The Kojiki is one of the two primary sources for Shinto, the Japanese national religion. It starts in the realm of myth, with the creation of Japan from foam. Innumerable gods and goddesses are described. The narrative moves from mythology to historical legends, and culminates in a chronology of the early Imperial line.

The book is densely footnoted, almost to the point where the text is buried in apparatus. However, even this cannot shroud the wonderful story-telling. There are supernatural episodes, and tales of murder, passion and betrayal, all interspersed with extemporaneous poetry, reminiscent of Icelandic sagas.

http://www.sacred-texts.com/shi/index.htm

There's also a collection of Japanese tales and folklore as well as texts from Lafcadio Hearn.

Enjoy!

 

[Brian R. VanCise]

Nice find!

I am going to read the stories of Kwaiden as I have
seen the movie of the same title and it was great.

 

[stone_dragone]

Now I have even more to put on my "have to read" list.

 

[Sukerkin]

That is a fabulous find, Mona :tup:. Given my interest in Japanese history I reckon those should keep me busy for a while - tho' I do have about a dozen text books that I have to get through too (I blame Gran Turismo for that ... and Age of Empires ... and Oblivion ).

 

[Xue Sheng]

Very cool, thanks and now I have more to read

 

[jtweymo]

That is a nice find... it's hard to find English translations of some historical writings (a fact I can appreciate since i do a small amount of amatuer translations.)

 

[tshadowchaser]

I'll be readin gsome of those later today.

Thank you for the link