batch.motif.japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki-gutenberg-l5705-l5811
---
record_id: batch.motif.japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki-gutenberg-l5705-l5811
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/japanese/project-gutenberg/japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki.md
passage_locator:
label: THE JELLY FISH AND THE MONKEY / THE QUARREL OF THE MONKEY AND THE CRAB /
THE WHITE HARE AND THE CROCODILES / THE STORY OF PRINCE YAMATO TAKE; lines 5705-5811
start: '5705'
end: '5811'
translation: Japanese Fairy Tales
notes: Generated from OpenAI Batch run motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority;
human review required.
canonical_text:
quote: ''
summary: The passage introduces the three sacred treasures of the Japanese Empire,
especially the sword later called Kusanagi/Kasanagi, linked to imperial strength
and Amaterasu. It then begins the story of Prince Yamato, son of Emperor Keiko,
who is sent as a young warrior to subdue rebel brothers in Kyushu. Yamato prays
at Ise, receives a robe from his aunt Princess Yamato, reaches difficult mountain
country near the enemy, chooses stratagem over open battle, and disguises himself
as a woman with help from his wife Ototachibana before going alone to the enemy
camp with a hidden dagger.
language: English
quote_policy: summarized
literal_observations:
- id: obs:1
text: 'The imperial insignia are described as three sacred treasures: the Mirror
of Yata, the Jewel of Yasakami, and the Sword of Murakumo.'
category: object
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:2
text: The sword of Murakumo is later called Kusanagi-no-Tsurugugi or the grass-cleaving
sword, and is described as a symbol of strength and a talisman of invincibility
for the Emperor.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:3
text: The sword is said to have been kept at the shrines of Ise, dedicated to Amaterasu,
from whom the Japanese emperors are said to be descended.
category: relationship
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:4
text: Prince Yamato is introduced as the second son of Emperor Keiko and as a youth
of remarkable strength, wisdom, and courage.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:5
text: The realm is troubled by outlaws led by two brothers, Kumaso and Takeru, who
rebel against the king and defy authority.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:6
text: King Keiko orders the sixteen-year-old Prince Yamato to subdue the brigands
and, if possible, rid the land of them.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:7
text: Before leaving, Yamato prays at the shrine of Ise and receives from his aunt
Princess Yamato a robe given as a keepsake and good-luck aid for the adventure.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:8
text: On the way to the enemy headquarters, Yamato finds the land wild and rough,
with high mountains, deep valleys, huge trees, and boulders blocking the army's
progress.
category: setting
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:9
text: Yamato decides that open battle in the impassable country is unwise and chooses
to use stratagem to come upon the enemies unawares.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: obs:10
text: With his wife Ototachibana's help, Yamato puts on the robe, lets down his
hair, adds a comb and jewels, and verifies in a mirror that the disguise appears
complete.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: obs:11
text: Yamato sets out alone for the enemy camp disguised as a woman, with a sharp
dagger hidden in the folds of his silk gown.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
figures:
- id: fig:1
name_or_label: Prince Yamato
description: Second son of Emperor Keiko; a sixteen-year-old prince described as
strong, wise, courageous, and fearless; sent to subdue the rebel chiefs.
role_refs:
- role:1
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:4
- ev:7
- ev:8
- ev:9
- id: fig:2
name_or_label: Emperor or King Keiko
description: Twelfth in descent from Jimmu; father of Prince Yamato; orders Yamato
to subdue the brigands.
role_refs:
- role:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:4
- id: fig:3
name_or_label: Amaterasu
description: The great and beautiful Sun Goddess worshipped at Ise, from whom the
Japanese emperors are said to be descended.
role_refs:
- role:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:5
- id: fig:4
name_or_label: Princess Yamato
description: Prince Yamato's aunt, associated with Ise; welcomes him, congratulates
him, gives him a gorgeous robe, and blesses his mission.
role_refs:
- role:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: fig:5
name_or_label: Princess Ototachibana
description: Prince Yamato's wife; accompanies him and helps him dress in women's
attire for the stratagem.
role_refs:
- role:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:8
- id: fig:6
name_or_label: Kumaso
description: One of the two brother chiefs of the outlaw rebels troubling the realm.
role_refs:
- role:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: fig:7
name_or_label: Takeru
description: One of the two brother chiefs of the outlaw rebels troubling the realm.
role_refs:
- role:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: fig:8
name_or_label: Jimmu
description: Named as founder of the Japanese dynasty and ancestor in the royal
line before Emperor Keiko.
role_refs:
- role:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
roles:
- id: role:1
label: royal youthful hero and mission-bearer
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: Yamato is a royal son who has just reached manhood and is ordered to undertake
a dangerous expedition against rebels.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:4
- id: role:2
label: commissioning ruler and father
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: Keiko is Yamato's father and commands him to subdue the brigands.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:4
- id: role:3
label: divine ancestress
assigned_to:
- fig:3
basis: Amaterasu is the Sun Goddess from whom the emperors are said to be descended,
and Yamato seeks her protection at Ise.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:5
- id: role:4
label: protective ritual kinswoman and gift-giver
assigned_to:
- fig:4
basis: Princess Yamato receives Yamato at Ise, gives him a robe as a keepsake and
aid, and blesses his undertaking.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: role:5
label: companion and disguise-helper
assigned_to:
- fig:5
basis: Ototachibana accompanies Yamato and helps him assume the female disguise.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: role:6
label: rebel adversary chiefs
assigned_to:
- fig:6
- fig:7
basis: Kumaso and Takeru are named as brother chiefs of outlaws rebelling against
the king.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: role:7
label: dynastic founder ancestor
assigned_to:
- fig:8
basis: Jimmu is identified as founder of the Japanese dynasty and ancestor in Keiko's
descent line.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
symbols:
- id: sym:1
label: three sacred imperial treasures
literal_form: Mirror of Yata, Jewel of Yasakami, and Sword of Murakumo
associated_figures:
- fig:2
- fig:3
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- id: sym:2
label: imperial sword of strength and invincibility
literal_form: Sword of Murakumo, later Kusanagi-no-Tsurugugi / grass-cleaving sword
associated_figures:
- fig:2
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: sym:3
label: Ise shrine of divine protection
literal_form: Shrine of Ise dedicated to Amaterasu
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:3
- fig:4
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:5
- id: sym:4
label: protective robe and disguise garment
literal_form: Gorgeous robe given by Princess Yamato and later worn by Yamato as
part of a woman's disguise
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:4
- fig:5
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:8
- id: sym:5
label: feminine disguise ornaments
literal_form: Loosened hair, comb, strings of jewels, and mirror used in Yamato's
disguise
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:5
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: sym:6
label: hidden dagger
literal_form: Sharp dagger hidden in the folds of Yamato's silk gown
associated_figures:
- fig:1
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: sym:7
label: impassable mountain country
literal_form: High steep mountains, dark deep valleys, huge trees, and boulders
blocking the road
associated_figures:
- fig:1
taxonomy_refs:
- mountain
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
scenes:
- id: scene:1
label: Sacred regalia and origin frame for the sword's name
summary: The passage presents the three sacred imperial treasures and emphasizes
the sword as the most honored treasure, linked to imperial strength, invincibility,
Ise, and Amaterasu.
figure_refs:
- fig:2
- fig:3
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:2
- sym:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- id: scene:2
label: Yamato's lineage and commission against rebel brothers
summary: Yamato is introduced as Keiko's second son, gifted with strength, wisdom,
and courage; Keiko orders him to subdue the outlaw brothers Kumaso and Takeru.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:6
- fig:7
- fig:8
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:4
- id: scene:3
label: Prayer at Ise and gift from Princess Yamato
summary: Before the expedition, Yamato seeks Amaterasu's protection at Ise, takes
leave of his aunt, and receives a robe intended to help and bring good luck.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:3
- fig:4
symbol_refs:
- sym:3
- sym:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: scene:4
label: Blocked approach and decision to use stratagem
summary: The army reaches rough terrain near the enemy headquarters, where mountains,
valleys, trees, and boulders prevent easy progress; Yamato decides to halt the
army and use surprise instead of open battle.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
symbol_refs:
- sym:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:7
- id: scene:5
label: Disguise and solitary approach to the enemy camp
summary: Ototachibana helps Yamato dress as a woman using the robe, comb, jewels,
and mirror; Yamato then goes alone toward the enemy camp with a dagger hidden
in his gown.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:5
symbol_refs:
- sym:4
- sym:5
- sym:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:9
candidate_motifs:
- id: motif:1
label: sacred imperial regalia legitimating royal power
taxonomy_refs:
- royal_legitimacy
basis: The passage connects the three sacred treasures, especially the sword, with
the Emperor, Ise, Amaterasu, and imperial descent.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
confidence: high
cautions: The passage frames the regalia as imperial symbols but does not narrate
their acquisition in this excerpt.
- id: motif:2
label: young royal hero commissioned to restore order
taxonomy_refs:
- initiation
- departure
basis: Yamato has just reached manhood at sixteen and is sent by his father to subdue
rebels, beginning a dangerous expedition.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:5
confidence: high
cautions: Only the opening phase of the expedition is present in this line range.
- id: motif:3
label: protective gift received before a perilous quest
taxonomy_refs:
- sacred_exchange
basis: Princess Yamato gives Yamato a robe as a keepsake, good-luck object, and
aid for his adventure before he departs.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage calls the gift useful and lucky, but does not explicitly state
supernatural power in the robe.
- id: motif:4
label: cross-dressed disguise used as battle stratagem
taxonomy_refs:
- trickster_boundary
basis: Yamato avoids direct combat, disguises himself as a woman with his wife's
help, and approaches the enemy camp alone with a hidden dagger.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:8
- ev:9
confidence: high
cautions: This is disguise and tactical deception, not literal shapeshifting.
- id: motif:5
label: impassable wilderness obstacle before enemy territory
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: The enemy country is described as wild and rough, with mountains, valleys,
trees, and boulders blocking the army and forcing a change of tactics.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:7
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage presents the terrain as a practical obstacle; symbolic meaning
is not stated.
comparison_claims: []
evidence:
- id: ev:1
type: summary
locator: 5705-5716
quote_or_summary: 'The imperial insignia consist of three sacred treasures: the
Mirror of Yata, the Jewel of Yasakami, and the Sword of Murakumo; the sword is
later called Kusanagi and treated as a symbol of strength and talisman of invincibility
for the Emperor.'
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/japanese/project-gutenberg/japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:2
type: summary
locator: 5717-5722
quote_or_summary: The sword was kept at Ise shrines dedicated to Amaterasu, the
Sun Goddess from whom the emperors are said to descend; the story is said to explain
the sword's change of name to grass-clearing.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/japanese/project-gutenberg/japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:3
type: summary
locator: 5723-5732
quote_or_summary: Prince Yamato is born as second son of Emperor Keiko, descendant
of Jimmu; from childhood he shows remarkable strength, wisdom, and courage.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/japanese/project-gutenberg/japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:4
type: summary
locator: 5733-5746
quote_or_summary: The realm is troubled by outlaw brothers Kumaso and Takeru; Keiko
orders sixteen-year-old Yamato to subdue them, and Yamato receives the command
joyfully and without fear.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/japanese/project-gutenberg/japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:5
type: summary
locator: 5747-5763
quote_or_summary: Before leaving, Yamato prepares with followers, prays at Ise,
takes leave of his aunt Princess Yamato, and receives from her a gorgeous robe
as a keepsake and good-luck aid.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/japanese/project-gutenberg/japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:6
type: summary
locator: 5764-5772
quote_or_summary: Yamato leads his troops toward Kyushu and the rebel headquarters;
the country is wild and rough, with high mountains, deep valleys, huge trees,
and boulders blocking the road.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/japanese/project-gutenberg/japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:7
type: summary
locator: 5773-5783
quote_or_summary: Yamato judges open battle in the impassable country unwise, decides
to use stratagem and surprise, and orders his army to halt.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/japanese/project-gutenberg/japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:8
type: summary
locator: 5784-5806
quote_or_summary: Ototachibana helps Yamato put on the robe, let down his hair,
add her comb and jewels, and inspect the result in a mirror; the disguise appears
to make him look like a beautiful lady.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/japanese/project-gutenberg/japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:9
type: quote
locator: 5807-5811
quote_or_summary: '"Thus completely disguised, he set out for the enemy’s camp alone."
A sharp dagger is hidden in the folds of his silk gown.'
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/japanese/project-gutenberg/japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki.md
rights_note: Public domain source; short excerpt used.
confidence:
extraction: high
motif_candidates: medium
comparison_claims: uncertain
notes: Literal extraction is well supported by the supplied passage. Motif labels
are candidate classifications based only on the excerpt. No comparison claims
were added because the passage itself does not explicitly compare this episode
to another corpus or tradition.
reviewer_status:
status: needs_review
reviewer: ''
reviewed_at: ''
notes: Machine-generated draft from OpenAI Batch; not human-reviewed.
extracted_by: openai_batch:gpt-5.5
extracted_at: '2026-04-28'
notes: |-
All observations and motif candidates are limited to the provided passage and metadata.
batch_run_id=motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority
custom_id=motif_extract:japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki-gutenberg__l5705-l5811
passage_sha256=1366c03f5184544cd2f71ef9edbf70c081de909b289be16c151e7176f22fe959