INCH BOY (JAPANESE) Japanese classical stories | fairy tale

Summary

Inch Boy is a heartwarming tale about a tiny boy born to an elderly couple who longed for a child. Despite his small size, Inch Boy dreams of greatness and sets off for the city. He works hard, studying and earning the trust of a Minister. When demons threaten the princess, Inch Boy bravely defends her, earning a magical mallet that grants him a wish. He wishes to grow, and transforms into a strong young man. He marries the princess, and the couple returns to the village to live happily with his parents. A story of courage, determination, and love.

Takeaways

• 😀 The old couple wished for a child, and their wish was granted when they had a tiny baby boy named Inch Boy.
• 😀 Inch Boy, despite being very small, was healthy and loved by his parents, but he couldn't play with the other children due to his size.
• 😀 Inch Boy expressed his desire to see the world and become a great man, asking his parents for permission to travel to the city.
• 😀 Inch Boy set off on his journey with a sewing needle as his sword and a bowl as his boat, showing his determination despite his small size.
• 😀 Along his journey, Inch Boy faced several challenges, including rain, wild winds, and dangers, but he kept going.
• 😀 Inch Boy arrived at the city and navigated the busy streets, slipping past people's feet and seeking someone important to meet.
• 😀 He met the Minister, who was impressed by Inch Boy's determination and gave him a place in the palace to study and work.
• 😀 Over time, Inch Boy became a trusted servant in the palace, studying sword fighting, reading, and even spending time with the Minister's daughter, the princess.
• 😀 One day, while visiting a temple, two demons appeared and threatened the princess, but Inch Boy bravely fought them off with his sewing needle.
• 😀 After defeating the demons, Inch Boy was granted a wish and wished to grow bigger. His wish was granted, and he grew into a strong, handsome young man.
• 😀 Now a grown man, Inch Boy worked even harder and became highly respected. He later married the princess and invited his parents to the city, where they all lived happily ever after.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the story?

The main theme of the story is the power of perseverance and ambition, as well as the idea that even those who are small or seemingly insignificant can achieve greatness with determination and the right opportunities.

Why did the old couple pray for a child?

The old couple prayed for a child because, although they were happy together, they longed for a child to complete their family and bring them joy.

What is the significance of Inch Boy's name?

Inch Boy's name reflects his tiny size, as he was no bigger than a thumb when he was born. His name symbolizes his small stature but also foreshadows his ability to achieve great things despite his size.

How did Inch Boy overcome the challenge of his small size?

Inch Boy overcame his small size through his determination and resourcefulness. He used a sewing needle as a sword, a bowl as a boat, and chopsticks as oars, showing that his ambition and cleverness allowed him to achieve his goals despite his size.

Why did the Minister take an interest in Inch Boy?

The Minister took an interest in Inch Boy because of his big ambitions despite his small size. He recognized that Inch Boy had potential and gave him a place in the palace, where Inch Boy could work and learn.

What was the relationship between Inch Boy and the princess?

Inch Boy and the princess had a close relationship, with the princess teaching him poetry and always keeping him by her side. They shared a bond of respect and friendship, and over time, Inch Boy became one of the Minister's most trusted servants.

What was the significance of the demons at Kiyomizu Temple?

The demons at Kiyomizu Temple represented a significant challenge that Inch Boy had to overcome. They were threatening the princess, and Inch Boy's bravery and quick thinking saved her from their danger. His victory over the demons highlighted his courage and determination.

How did Inch Boy defeat the demons?

Inch Boy defeated the demons by using his tiny size to his advantage. He stabbed one of the demons with a sewing needle, which caused the demon great pain, and after being thrown away, he threatened to let the demons go if they promised to never bother the princess again.

What was the magical mallet, and how did it change Inch Boy’s life?

The magical mallet was a special artifact that, when used, could grant any wish. Inch Boy used it to wish to grow larger, and immediately, he transformed into a strapping young man, which allowed him to work even harder and become a respected figure.

What happens after Inch Boy grows into a young man?

After Inch Boy grows into a young man, he becomes a great and respected individual. He is honored by the Minister, who offers him the princess's hand in marriage. Inch Boy and the princess later visit the old couple, and they all live happily ever after.