Two stories from Japan. On the first, a former samurai's wife is up to something and he's going to figure out what. On the second, we'll see that kindness matters most...but only if you're absolutely forced into doing it.
The creature is the salamander! It'll turn you into a spicy human burrito!
Want to support the show? https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership
A TED-Ed video of the second story: https://myths.link/pilgrims-teded
Music:
"Lost Stage" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Dolly and Pad" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Helter's Barrow" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Hibiscus" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Just Tuning Up" by Blue Dot Sessions
Sponsors
GhostBed: Visit GhostBed.com/legends and use the code LEGENDS to save 50% off your purchase sitewide!
Shady Rays: Exclusively for our listeners, Shady Rays is giving out their best deal of the season. Head to https://shadyrays.com and use code: LEGENDS for $20 off polarized sunglasses. Try for yourself the shades rated 5 stars by over 300,000 people.
BetterHelp: Myths and Legends is Sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit https://betterhelp.com/myths today to get 10% off your first month.
Thank you for your wonderful version of this story where you did not make his blindness to be the problem as you clearly said in the show. I’m always comforted and touched by your thoughtfulness, Jason, but this time, I must say I was moved and encouraged. Thank you for being who you are. I’m a born blind person living in Japan, not by choice but by birth. As a female blind person, aggression, microaggression and all forms of ablism are the daily things I am forced to handle. I miss my more hopeful days in the United States. Ablism really hurts, in a different way aggression and harassment hurt. Neither is easier to deal with, but ablism really eats me alive, and I feel like I’m dying little by little. I still have to go to work to live, but why did I want to live? My dog just passed away at the age 16, so it’s making it harder for me. I put on podcasts as I was trying to fall asleep, and your latest episode came on. First, I thought, “Oh, no, that story.” But I did listen, and I loved your story-telling as with any other episodes. It was not a depiction of a pitiful, helpless blind person — it was clear that the problem was the fact that what he worked so hard for was taken away. And I could enjoy this story. At the closing of the story, I learned that this version of yours was intentional. I just had to let you know how much I appreciate that. Thank you for creating a inclusive and safe place where I can relax and enjoy stories. I regret that my words are not adequate. Still I just had to leave a comment.
I reckon they’re talking about the shrine on Mount Hiei northeast of Kyoto (most famous for its Buddhist temples), it’s still a long way to walk but nothing like going to Tokyo