batch.motif.japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki-gutenberg-l6371-l6508
---
record_id: batch.motif.japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki-gutenberg-l6371-l6508
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/japanese/project-gutenberg/japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki.md
passage_locator:
label: THE QUARREL OF THE MONKEY AND THE CRAB / THE WHITE HARE AND THE CROCODILES
/ THE STORY OF PRINCE YAMATO TAKE / MOMOTARO, OR THE STORY OF THE SON OF A PEACH;
lines 6371-6508
start: '6371'
end: '6508'
translation: Japanese Fairy Tales
notes: Generated from OpenAI Batch run motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority;
human review required.
canonical_text:
quote: ''
summary: Momotaro asks his old father for permission to leave home and attack the
devils on an island northeast of Japan. He explains that the devils rob, kill,
eat people, and disobey the Emperor. The old man permits him to go because Momotaro
is strong, fearless, and regarded as a gift from Heaven. The old parents make
rice-cakes for his journey and farewell him tearfully. On the road, Momotaro eats
under a tree, confronts a threatening dog, declares his mission, and gains the
dog as a follower after giving it half a rice-cake. Later a monkey comes down
from a tree and asks to join the expedition; the dog quarrels with it, but Momotaro
intervenes and questions the monkey about its wish to fight with him.
language: English
quote_policy: summarized
literal_observations:
- id: obs:1
text: Momotaro asks permission to leave home before repaying his parents' kindness.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:2
text: Momotaro says he will return if allowed to go.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:3
text: Momotaro describes an island in the sea northeast of Japan as the stronghold
of devils.
category: setting
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:4
text: Momotaro says the devils invade the land, kill and rob people, carry off goods,
disobey the Emperor's laws, and eat some captives.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:5
text: The old man regards Momotaro as strong, fearless, no common child, and sent
as a gift from Heaven.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:6
text: The old man permits Momotaro to go to the island, destroy the demons, and
bring peace to the land.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:7
text: The old man and woman pound rice and make cakes for Momotaro's journey.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:8
text: The old parents farewell Momotaro with tears and expect him to return victorious.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:9
text: Momotaro stops at midday under a tree beside the road to eat a rice-cake from
his bag.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: obs:10
text: A large dog threatens Momotaro and demands all the cakes in his bag.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: obs:11
text: Momotaro identifies himself, states his mission to subdue the devils, and
threatens to cut the dog in two if stopped.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: obs:12
text: The dog submits, apologizes, acknowledges Momotaro's strength, and asks to
become his follower on the expedition.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: obs:13
text: Momotaro gives the hungry dog half of one cake, and the dog follows him.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: obs:14
text: A monkey comes down from a tree and asks to go with Momotaro.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
- id: obs:15
text: The dog and monkey quarrel and bite, and Momotaro places himself between them.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
- id: obs:16
text: The monkey says it lives in the hills, heard of the expedition, and wants
to follow Momotaro to the Island of Devils.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
figures:
- id: fig:1
name_or_label: Momotaro
description: A boy of fifteen who asks to leave home, intends to conquer the devils,
and gathers animal companions on the road.
role_refs:
- role:1
- role:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:9
- ev:10
- ev:11
- ev:14
- id: fig:2
name_or_label: old man / father
description: Momotaro's old father, who explains parental care, permits the journey,
and helps prepare rice-cakes.
role_refs:
- role:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:3
- ev:4
- ev:5
- id: fig:3
name_or_label: old woman / mother
description: Momotaro's old mother, who helps make rice-cakes and tearfully says
farewell.
role_refs:
- role:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:6
- id: fig:4
name_or_label: devils / demons
description: A band based on an island stronghold, described as invading, killing,
robbing, disobeying the Emperor, and eating people.
role_refs:
- role:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:4
- id: fig:5
name_or_label: Emperor
description: The sovereign whose laws the devils are said to disobey.
role_refs:
- role:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: fig:6
name_or_label: people of the land
description: People said to be invaded, killed, robbed, carried off, and sometimes
eaten by the devils.
role_refs:
- role:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: fig:7
name_or_label: dog
description: A large dog that first threatens Momotaro, then submits, receives half
a rice-cake, and follows him.
role_refs:
- role:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:10
- ev:11
- ev:13
- id: fig:8
name_or_label: monkey
description: A monkey from the hills that comes down from a tree and asks to follow
Momotaro to the Island of Devils.
role_refs:
- role:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
- ev:14
roles:
- id: role:1
label: departing fighter against devils
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: Momotaro requests leave to go to the island and conquer the devils.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- ev:4
- id: role:2
label: nurturing old parents
assigned_to:
- fig:2
- fig:3
basis: The old parents raised Momotaro, prepare food for his journey, and farewell
him.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:5
- ev:6
- id: role:3
label: violent island antagonists
assigned_to:
- fig:4
basis: The devils are described as raiding, robbing, killing, eating people, and
resisting imperial law.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: role:4
label: lawful sovereign invoked in accusation
assigned_to:
- fig:5
basis: Momotaro says the devils are disloyal to the Emperor and disobey his laws.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: role:5
label: victims of raids
assigned_to:
- fig:6
basis: The people are described as robbed, killed, carried off, and eaten by the
devils.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: role:6
label: heaven-sent exceptional child
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: The old man thinks Momotaro is no common child and was sent as a gift from
Heaven.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: role:7
label: subdued animal follower
assigned_to:
- fig:7
basis: The dog threatens Momotaro, then apologizes and asks to be taken as a follower.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:10
- ev:11
- id: role:8
label: animal volunteer for expedition
assigned_to:
- fig:8
basis: The monkey says it heard of Momotaro's expedition and wants to follow him.
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
- ev:14
symbols:
- id: sym:1
label: Island of Devils
literal_form: island in the sea northeast of Japan that serves as the devils' stronghold
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:4
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:4
- ev:14
- id: sym:2
label: sea
literal_form: sea surrounding or containing the devils' island
associated_figures:
- fig:4
taxonomy_refs:
- water
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: sym:3
label: rice-cakes
literal_form: cakes made from pounded rice and carried in Momotaro's bag for the
journey
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
- fig:7
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:7
- ev:8
- ev:11
- id: sym:4
label: roadside tree
literal_form: tree beside the road where Momotaro sits to eat
associated_figures:
- fig:1
taxonomy_refs:
- tree
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: sym:5
label: tree of the monkey's descent
literal_form: tree from which the monkey comes down ahead of Momotaro and the dog
associated_figures:
- fig:8
taxonomy_refs:
- tree
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
- id: sym:6
label: gift from Heaven
literal_form: description of Momotaro as sent to the old parents from Heaven
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
scenes:
- id: scene:1
label: Request to depart and explanation of mission
summary: Momotaro asks his old father to let him leave home and explains that he
intends to conquer devils on a sea island northeast of Japan.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:4
- fig:5
- fig:6
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- id: scene:2
label: Permission and preparation
summary: The old man decides not to hinder Momotaro, identifies him as Heaven-sent
and fearless, and the old parents make rice-cakes for his journey.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
symbol_refs:
- sym:3
- sym:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:4
- ev:5
- id: scene:3
label: Farewell from old parents
summary: Momotaro departs while his old parents tearfully wish him careful speed
and victory.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: scene:4
label: Encounter with the dog
summary: Momotaro stops to eat under a roadside tree; a large dog threatens him
for the cakes, then submits after Momotaro names himself and his mission.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:7
symbol_refs:
- sym:3
- sym:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:8
- ev:9
- ev:10
- id: scene:5
label: Dog becomes follower through shared food
summary: Momotaro allows the dog to join and gives it half a rice-cake; the dog
then follows him over hills and valleys.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:7
symbol_refs:
- sym:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: scene:6
label: Monkey asks to join and quarrels with dog
summary: A monkey comes down from a tree and asks to go with Momotaro; the dog objects,
the two animals quarrel, and Momotaro intervenes before questioning the monkey.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:7
- fig:8
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
- ev:13
- ev:14
candidate_motifs:
- id: motif:1
label: heroic departure from home for a dangerous expedition
taxonomy_refs:
- departure
basis: Momotaro requests permission to leave his old parents and home in order to
attack the devils' island stronghold, promising to return.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- ev:4
- ev:6
confidence: high
cautions: The passage gives only the departure and early journey, not the completion
of the expedition.
- id: motif:2
label: Heaven-sent exceptional child
taxonomy_refs:
- miraculous_child
basis: The old man believes Momotaro is no common child and was sent to them as
a gift from Heaven.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage alludes to Momotaro's origin but does not narrate his birth
or arrival.
- id: motif:3
label: young champion restoring peace by fighting monstrous raiders
taxonomy_refs:
- culture_hero
basis: Momotaro says he must conquer the devils who raid the land, recover plunder,
and bring peace; the old man endorses this purpose.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:4
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage states the intended public benefit but does not show the outcome.
- id: motif:4
label: food given in exchange for animal companionship
taxonomy_refs:
- sacred_exchange
basis: The dog asks to become a follower and then receives half of one of Momotaro's
journey cakes before following him.
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- ev:11
confidence: medium
cautions: The exchange is explicit but the passage does not mark the rice-cake as
sacred.
- id: motif:5
label: animal companions recruited for a quest
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: The dog becomes Momotaro's follower, and the monkey asks to join the expedition
against the Island of Devils.
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- ev:11
- ev:12
- ev:14
confidence: high
cautions: No matching taxonomy reference was supplied for animal helpers or companions.
comparison_claims: []
evidence:
- id: ev:1
type: summary
locator: lines 6371-6508, opening dialogue
quote_or_summary: Momotaro asks his old father for a request before repaying his
kindness; he asks to go away at once, and says he will come back.
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: lines 6371-6508, Momotaro explains the Island of Devils
quote_or_summary: Momotaro describes a sea island northeast of Japan as the stronghold
of devils who invade, kill, rob, carry off goods, disobey the Emperor, and eat
some captives.
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: lines 6371-6508, old man's reflection
quote_or_summary: The old man is surprised by the fifteen-year-old boy, but thinks
Momotaro is strong, fearless, no common child, and sent as a gift from Heaven.
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: lines 6371-6508, permission to depart
quote_or_summary: The old man says he will not hinder Momotaro and tells him to
go to the island, destroy the demons, and bring peace to the land.
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: lines 6371-6508, journey provisions
quote_or_summary: The old man and woman pound rice in the kitchen mortar to make
cakes for Momotaro to take on his journey.
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: lines 6371-6508, farewell
quote_or_summary: The two old people tearfully say farewell and expect Momotaro
to return victorious; Momotaro says goodbye and leaves the house.
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: lines 6371-6508, midday rest
quote_or_summary: At midday Momotaro opens his bag, takes out a rice-cake, and sits
under a roadside tree to eat.
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: lines 6371-6508, dog's threat
quote_or_summary: A dog almost as large as a colt comes from the high grass, accuses
Momotaro of passing its field without permission, and demands all the cakes or
threatens to bite him to death.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/japanese/project-gutenberg/japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:9
type: summary
locator: lines 6371-6508, Momotaro's reply to dog
quote_or_summary: Momotaro names himself, says he is going to subdue the devils
in their northeastern island stronghold, and threatens the dog if it blocks him.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/japanese/project-gutenberg/japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:10
type: summary
locator: lines 6371-6508, dog submits
quote_or_summary: The dog lowers its tail, bows to the ground, apologizes for rudeness,
says it has heard of Momotaro's strength, and asks to be taken as a follower to
the Island of Devils.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/japanese/project-gutenberg/japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:11
type: summary
locator: lines 6371-6508, cake shared with dog
quote_or_summary: Momotaro agrees to take the dog, gives the hungry dog half of
a rice-cake, and the dog follows him over hills and valleys.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/japanese/project-gutenberg/japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:12
type: summary
locator: lines 6371-6508, monkey appears
quote_or_summary: An animal comes down from a tree ahead of Momotaro and the dog,
greets Momotaro, and asks to go with him.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/japanese/project-gutenberg/japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:13
type: summary
locator: lines 6371-6508, dog and monkey quarrel
quote_or_summary: The dog objects to the monkey joining, and the dog and monkey
quarrel and bite until Momotaro steps between them.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/japanese/project-gutenberg/japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:14
type: summary
locator: lines 6371-6508, monkey's explanation
quote_or_summary: The monkey says it lives in the hills, heard of Momotaro's expedition
to the Island of Devils, and wants to follow him and fight with him.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/japanese/project-gutenberg/japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
confidence:
extraction: high
motif_candidates: medium
comparison_claims: uncertain
notes: Extraction is based only on the supplied passage. Motif labels are limited
to explicit actions and attributes in this excerpt; several likely broader Momotaro
motifs are only partially present here.
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: |-
No comparison claims were added because the passage itself does not explicitly compare the episode with another text, tradition, or motif family beyond the supplied taxonomy candidates.
batch_run_id=motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority
custom_id=motif_extract:japanese-fairy-tales-ozaki-gutenberg__l6371-l6508
passage_sha256=57c4ee0034f221e75c3ef8a9475760cdf0c48991e9afa461f484df80ce99f5f1