Summary | Unveiling the Magic of Japanese Folklore: The Tale of the Tongue-Cut Sparrow; Suzume
Channel: Japanese Literature
Date: 2024-04-04

This video is an explanation of a Japanese folktale known as "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow". The story features an old man and his wife. The man is kind and cherishes his pet sparrow, while his wife is constantly irritable. In a fit of rage, the wife cuts out the sparrow's tongue when it accidentally eats her starch. However, the sparrow turns out to be a fairy and later bestows a treasure on the man. The greedy wife attempts to obtain a larger treasure box, but instead of treasure, horrible demons appear when she opens the box.

The "sparrow" in the film "Tongue-Cut Sparrow" refers to the same type of bird as the sparrow in this story. It plays a role in conveying an important message to viewers through the lesson that kindness and humility are rewarded, while greed and malice are punished. In the end of the story, the wife reflects on her actions and reforms, leading to a happy ending.