The Magic Purse
Written by: Yoshiko Uchida
Illustrated by: Keiko Narahashi
In this story, a poor, young Japanese farmer interrupts his pilgrimage to the temple to carry a letter from a beautiful wraithlike maiden, held captive by the Black Swamp lord, to her parents in the treacherous Red Swamp. His courage and kindness are rewarded with an ever-filled purse and a tray of gold pieces. Forever after, the now-prosperous farmer brings an offering of rice cakes and wine to the Black Swamp; in return, he receives a flower and hears the maiden's haunting plea, "Don't forget me." Although the story has classic folktale trappings, Uchida's retelling lacks tension. The task is accomplished with facility and little dread, and the point of the farmer's journey, the temple visit, is thinly developed. However, the imagery of the tale provides a wonderful springboard for Narahashi's watercolors.
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