The Silly Jelly-Fish / Told in English

Name: The Silly Jelly-Fish / Told in English
Author: Basil Hall Chamberlain

By Basil Hall Chamberlain

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Children & Young Adult Reading Humour Mythology, Legends & Folklore

About This Book

A dragon king marries a young queen who becomes gravely ill and demands a live monkey’s liver as a cure. The king sends a loyal but gullible jellyfish to fetch a monkey; the monkey tricks the jellyfish by claiming his liver was left in a tree, escapes, and the jellyfish returns empty-handed. The king punishes the jellyfish so severely that it becomes boneless and gelatinous, and the queen recovers without the liver. The straightforward, linear tale explains a creature’s physical form through trickery and consequence and offers a cautionary note about credulity and blind obedience.

About the Author

Basil Hall Chamberlain

Basil Hall Chamberlain was a British scholar and translator known for his contributions to the understanding of Japanese culture and literature. He spent a significant part of his life in Japan, where he became proficient in the language and engaged deeply with its folklore and traditions. His notable works include "Aino Folk-Tales," which showcases the rich storytelling traditions of the Ainu people, and "The Invention of a New Religion," reflecting his interest in the intersection of culture and belief systems. Chamberlain's writings offer valuable insights into the complexities of Japanese society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.