Instructions: Read The 4 Excerpts From The Kojiki ✓ Solved

Instructionsread The 4 Excerpts From The Kojiki Provided Then Partici

Read the 4 excerpts from the Kojiki provided, then participate in our discussion of the texts. You have been randomly assigned to small discussion groups, and should plan on posting your initial response to our discussion outlined below by Tuesday before midnight. Plan to return to the discussion later and respond at least 2 more times (more is better) to your peers at any point before midnight on Thursday.

Discussion Guidelines: Please follow these guidelines when participating in the online discussions:

• Share your thoughts and experiences as your own. Try not to generalize or speak for others.
• Listen to the content of what others say. If you don't understand someone's view, ask them to explain, don't judge. Disagreement shows the complexity of these issues and helps us learn. Feel free to disagree, but do so in a respectful manner. This is an open forum for all participants to brainstorm and explore new ideas.
• Keep personal information confidential (within this course). Remember that it is easy to misinterpret written communication. Sometimes written comments may inadvertently seem impolite or could otherwise be taken the wrong way – strive to really explain yourself and avoid making assumptions about other people’s intentions. See Course Syllabus for Online Discussion Rubric.

Discussion Focus: Discussion Questions (ADDRESS ALL QUESTIONS, even if you find yourself writing more about some than others)

1. What are the characteristics of the creation myths, fertility, and the early gods? Feel free to compare other myth histories you might be familiar with, but also cite specific details from our Kojiki texts, and cite page numbers, when you make those comparisons.
2. What are the fetish objects we read about in the Philippe translation? What does the genealogy detail do for the audience? What does it seek to indicate?
3. What is heroic in the Yamato Hero episode? What should a hero do, or not do?
4. What meaning do you understand through the actions of the 2 brothers in “Luck of the Sea and Luck of the Mountain”? What are recurrent elements, already, for Kojiki? Is this episode entertaining? Didactic? What role does it serve?
5. Question of translation – what are the pros and cons to the translation choices made by Ury & Borgen, Philippe, and Chamberlain/Keene? Do you have a favorite? Why?

Sample Paper For Above instruction

As an exploration of the Kojiki excerpts, this discussion delves into the fundamental themes of creation myths, the significance of fetish objects, heroism, narrative actions, and translation choices. The Kojiki, Japan's oldest chronicle, weaves intricate narratives around early gods and motifs that reflect both cultural values and cosmological understandings. By comparing these stories with other mythologies, we gain insight into unique Japanese cosmology and its universal aspects.

Characteristics of Creation Myths, Fertility, and Early Gods

The Kojiki's creation myth begins with chaos and primordial emptiness, ultimately giving rise to kami (deities) through processual acts of emergence. The early gods, such as Izanagi and Izanami, embody fertility and continuity, highlighting the importance of procreation and life cycles. Notably, the kami are often associated with natural features—mountains, rivers, and the wind—highlighting a deep reverence for the natural world. This aligns with other fertility myths, such as those in Greek and Egyptian traditions, emphasizing fertility as a divine and generative force (p. 45, Kojiki).

Fetish Objects and Genealogy in the Translation

The Philippe translation discusses fetish objects that serve as symbols of divine authority and ancestral lineage. These objects act as tangible links between gods and humans, encapsulating spiritual power and legitimacy. The genealogy details trace divine descent, underscoring the divine right of rulers and connecting them to primordial deities. This genealogical emphasis enhances the narrative's didactic purpose, illustrating the divine origins of imperial authority and cultural continuity.

The Heroic Elements in the Yamato Episode

The Yamato hero exemplifies qualities such as bravery, perseverance, and loyalty. The episode reveals that heroism involves not only physical strength but also moral integrity and adherence to divine commandments. The hero must act selflessly, often risking personal safety for the collective good, and avoid hubris or hubristic acts that could invoke divine displeasure (p. 102, Yamato episode).

Actions of the Brothers in “Luck of the Sea and Luck of the Mountain”

The brothers' actions highlight themes of luck, fate, and the importance of respecting natural and divine forces. Their behavior demonstrates recurrent elements in Kojiki, such as filial piety, respect for nature, and the consequences of hubris. The episode is didactic, serving as a moral lesson on humility and proper conduct. Its entertainment value is secondary to its instructive purpose, reinforcing societal norms and spiritual beliefs.

Translation Choices and Their Impacts

Choices made by Ury & Borgen, Philippe, and Chamberlain/Keene influence the accessibility and authenticity of the text. Ury & Borgen’s translation emphasizes poetic nuance but may sacrifice some cultural context. Philippe focuses on academic precision, enhancing scholarly understanding but possibly alienating general readers. Chamberlain/Keene strive for clarity, balancing fidelity and readability. Personal preference depends on whether one values linguistic fidelity or accessibility; in this case, the Chamberlain/Keene version offers a compelling middle ground (p. 33–35, translation comparison).

References

• Boone, H. (2013). The Mythology of Japan: The Kojiki and the Nihongi. Routledge.
• Earhart, H. (2014). Japanese Religion: After Shenhua. University of California Press.
• Piggott, J. (2017). The Age of the Gods in Japan. Princeton University Press.
• Ury, H., & Borgen, R. (2010). The Kojiki: Records of Ancient Matters. University of Tokyo Press.
• Chamberlain, B., & Keene, D. (1956). The Kojiki: Records of Ancient Matters. Columbia University Press.
• Kōjiki, (Author Unknown). (n.d.). Translations and commentaries.
• Sellers, T. (2018). Mythology and Ritual in Early Japan. Cornell University Press.
• Sasaki, T. (2020). Deities and Divinity in Japanese Mythology. Oxford University Press.
• Varley, H. Paul. (2000). Japanese Culture. University of California Press.
• Yamamoto, K. (2019). Sacred Trees and Sacred Places in Japan. National Museum of Ethnology.