DeepSummary
In the first story, a former blind samurai named Sawichi struggles with his wife Osato's apparent infidelity, only to discover she has been making daily pilgrimages to pray for his sight to be restored. After Sawichi attempts suicide, the Bodhisattva Kannon intervenes and restores his sight, sentencing them to embark on a pilgrimage to 33 temples to spread her message of compassion.
The second story follows a Shinto priest who defiles himself by assisting a woman with her deceased mother's funeral rites, breaking his vow of purity. However, a medium conveys the gods' message that rules should be broken in service of compassion, absolving the priest.
The 'Creature of the Week' segment discusses the European salamander and its mythical association with being impervious to fire, as well as the belief that its poisonous nature led to the creation of 'salamander skin' cloaks that were likely made of asbestos instead.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Acts of compassion can transcend rigid religious and societal rules.
- Deities and spiritual forces may intervene to reward compassionate actions that defy customs or conventions.
- Mythical creatures like salamanders were often believed to possess extraordinary properties like immunity to fire.
- Storytelling serves as a powerful medium for imparting moral lessons and cultural values.
- Japanese folklore draws upon Buddhist, Shinto, and Samurai traditions to explore ethical dilemmas.
- Blindness and disabilities were often stigmatized in feudal Japan, but could be overcome through perseverance.
- Devotional practices like pilgrimages and prayer were integral to religious life in feudal Japan.
- Contrasting the two stories illustrates nuanced perspectives on adhering to or breaking taboos.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “You should always follow the decrees of the law and avoid taboo. Unless it would be more compassionate to not follow those laws.“ by The medium
- “After the accident. The story says he was as thin as the string of a shamasen.“ by Storyteller
- “Rules exist to guide people to be compassionate, kind, and just.“ by The medium
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Episode Information
Myths and Legends
Jason Weiser, Carissa Weiser, Nextpod
5/22/24
The creature is the salamander! It'll turn you into a spicy human burrito!
Want to support the show? https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership
A TED-Ed video of the second story: https://myths.link/pilgrims-teded
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Music:
"Lost Stage" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Dolly and Pad" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Helter's Barrow" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Hibiscus" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Just Tuning Up" by Blue Dot Sessions