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Momotaro (Little Peachling), a MythSource painting
Japanese

Momotaro (Little Peachling)

01Identity

Momotaro (Little Peachling) in Japanese tradition

Momotaro, Little Peachling, is the hero of a Japanese tale in which a boy found in a peach grows into a strong youth and sets out for the devils' island. A dog, a monkey and a pheasant accompany him, each drawn into the journey by the millet dumplings he carries. The episode turns on their contest with the island's retainers and chief, then on Momotaro's return and his sharing of the credit with his animal companions. This version comes from the English-language 1885 fairy-tale edition catalogued by Japan's National Diet Library to David Thompson and published in Tokyo by Kobunsha.

SourceMomotaro or Little Peachling (Kobunsha, Tokyo, 1885; David Thompson attribution per NDL): Momotaro, PDF leaves 3–5 (NDL item 1731284)· Momotaro or Little Peachling (Kobunsha, Tokyo, 1885; David Thompson attribution per NDL): Momotaro, PDF leaves 6–7 (NDL item 1731284)· Momotaro or Little Peachling (Kobunsha, Tokyo, 1885; David Thompson attribution per NDL): Momotaro, PDF leaves 8 (NDL item 1731284)· Momotaro or Little Peachling (Kobunsha, Tokyo, 1885; David Thompson attribution per NDL): Momotaro, PDF leaves 9 (NDL item 1731284)

Top questions

The quick answers

  • Who is Momotaro (Little Peachling)?

    Momotaro (Little Peachling) is a Japanese hero.
    Source

    Source

    • Momotaro or Little Peachling (Kobunsha, Tokyo, 1885; David Thompson attribution per NDL)
02The names

The names Momotaro (Little Peachling) answers to

Little Peachling

Title epithet for Momotaro in the NDL-catalogued 1885 witness.

SourceMomotaro or Little Peachling (Kobunsha, Tokyo, 1885; David Thompson attribution per NDL)

03The myths

The myths of Momotaro (Little Peachling)

1 myth, with sources recorded for each.

Momotaro and the Devils' Island

An old man went to the mountains to cut grass while his wife washed clothes by the river. A great peach came tumbling down the stream, and she carried it home. When the couple opened it, a child appeared. They named him Momotaro, or Little Peachling, and raised him with care. He grew strong and decided to cross to the devils' island. He told the couple of his plan and asked them to prepare millet dumplings. With the food in a pouch, he set out.

A dog asked for a dumpling and offered to go with him. A monkey and then a pheasant made the same bargain, so all three travelled with Momotaro. At the island, the company broke through the front gate and fought the retainers. They pressed on until they found Akandoji, chief of the devils. He attacked Momotaro with an iron club, but Momotaro dodged him. They grappled, and Momotaro tied the chief so tightly that he could not move. Akandoji yielded and offered his riches. Momotaro gathered the valuables and started home, crediting the three companions with his success. The old couple rejoiced at his return, and he gave them a feast.

Momotaro and the Devils' Island, a MythSource painting of the scene