Shuten Dōji

Shuten Dōji is a famous Japanese myth about the heroic samurai Minamoto no Raikō and his four loyal retainers…

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28 worksheets · answer keys · full story · quiz · Ages 3-5 · CEFR A1

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The story

The Brave Samurai and the Grumpy Ogre

A Grumpy Ogre on the Mountain

This is Raikō. Raikō is a brave samurai who lived in a pretty city with pink flowers. Near the city was a big, tall mountain. A grumpy ogre lived on the mountain. His name was Shuten Dōji. Shuten Dōji was very loud. Stomp, stomp, stomp! He made everyone in the city feel sad. A kind Emperor asked Raikō and his friends to help. He wanted them to make the mountain quiet and happy again.

A Clever Plan and a Sleepy Potion

Raikō and his friends had a clever plan. They put on friendly hats and funny coats. They looked like nice travelers. Up, up, up the big mountain they went. On the path, they saw kind spirits hiding behind the trees. The spirits gave Raikō a tiny bottle. 'This is a sleepy drink,' the spirits whispered. 'It will make the ogre take a long nap.' Raikō said thank you. They found the ogre's big house. Shuten Dōji was stomping his big feet. Grumble, grumble! Raikō smiled and offered the ogre the drink. The ogre drank it all. Gulp, gulp, gulp. Then he gave a great big yawn.

A Peaceful Mountain Once Again

Soon, the grumpy ogre was fast asleep. He snored a big, loud snore. RUMBLE, RUMBLE. It sounded like thunder. Shhh! Raikō and his friends tiptoed away. Quiet, quiet, quiet. The mountain was peaceful again. When they went back to the city, everyone cheered. Yay! They were all so happy and safe. The story of Raikō and Shuten Dōji teaches us that being brave and working with friends can solve big problems. Helping others is the best adventure of all.

Wow facts

About

Shuten Dōji is a famous Japanese myth about the heroic samurai Minamoto no Raikō and his four loyal retainers who defeat a fearsome oni (demon) king to save the capital city of Kyoto.

Period of Myth's Origin 794 CE - 1400 CE (circa)