Fables from Japan

by Samuel DenHartog

Immerse yourself in the enchanting culture of Japan, where legendary tales take form. From the mystical Mirror of the Sun Goddess to the heartwarming story of the Laughing Dumpling, each fable weaves a rich tapestry of Japanese culture and tradition. Discover the wisdom of ancient legends, the beauty of folklore, and the magic that has captivated generations.

Within these pages, you'll find a collection of stories that are both captivating and profound. The Sworded Falcon's heroic adventures, the cunning of the Phantom Cats, and the poetic justice of The Evil One and the Rat are just a few of the unforgettable tales that await you. Each story is a window into a world where bravery, kindness, and cleverness are rewarded, and where the natural and supernatural blend seamlessly.

"Fables from Japan" offers readers an opportunity to explore the depth and diversity of Japanese folklore. Whether you are revisiting beloved stories or discovering them for the first time, this collection is sure to inspire and delight. Perfect for readers of all ages, these fables remind us of the enduring power of storytelling and the universal themes that connect us all.

Genres: Asian Literature, Japan

163 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2024

About the author

Samuel DenHartog is a versatile and imaginative author whose works span a wide array of genres, including mythology, fables, fairy tales, fantasy, romance, mystery, science fiction, and children's books. His stories captivate readers of all ages, blending wonder with rich, timeless narratives.

What sets Samuel apart is his ability to breathe new life into ancient tales while preserving their core essence. Whether it's mythology, folklore, or fairy tales from various cultures, by carefully balancing tradition with modern touches, he creates stories that resonate with contemporary audiences, making historical and mythical narratives feel fresh, relevant, and engaging.

Off the page, Samuel is a lifelong learner, constantly expanding his creative horizons and engaging with innovative ideas. His journey is a continual pursuit of knowledge and creativity, bridging the worlds of tradition and imagination.

Reviews

[Marc *Dark Reader with a Thousand Young! Iä!* · Rating 1 out of 5]

Congratulations to all the Goodreads Giveaway winners. You know own an A.I.-generated book.

Here's how this one works:
Step 1: Search Project Gutenberg for "Japanese folk tales".
Step 2: Take literally any search results.
Step 3: Plug these public domain books into ChatGPT and have it rewrite the stories.
Step 4: Stick the A.I.-generated rehashed stories into book format. The paragraph formatting is wrong for fiction, but who gives a shit, right?
Step 5: Paste an A.I.-generated cover that looks decent at a distance, but up close reveals melting faces, unidentifiable blobby objects, and other horrors. Like, look at the bird next to "Japan" on this one. Any idea which end is the head?
Step 7: Have A.I. also generate the book blurb. Recycle previous A.I.-generated author bio.
Step 6: Post it on Amazon.
Step 7: Have A.I. also write a blog post announcing the book. Click 'like' on your own blog post, why not, no one else will.
Step 8: Also make an A.I. video with an A.I. voice reading the A.I. book blurb for some reason.
Step 9: Every week put some different A.I.-generated books on free promotion, announce this on Facebook also. Occasionally hold a Goodreads Giveaway for further exposure.
Step 10: Profit (from people who don't recognize the A.I. product for what it is. Suckers, amirite?)
Step 11: Repeat with another "book" three times per week, during which time it is literally impossible to legitimately write this material, let alone even read the material you're copying.

For an authentic experience of Japanese fables written by a human hand, from someone who actually gives a shit, go to Project Gutenberg and read the original material instead of this A.I.-rewritten spam.

[Skyla · Rating 1 out of 5]

A close copy of public materials (see the details page inside the book). Also, the imprint is the same name as his software company, which makes me think this is all AI.

[Warren · Rating 2 out of 5]

When it takes me over 3 weeks to read a book that's this short, it's not a great sign. The stories were written very simply, which is fine, as I'm sure most were meant for children. But I'm wondering, was something lost in translation?

With few exceptions, most of these stories had me thinking: okay, what was the point of that? Some were interesting, but most weren't. I don't really know why because I usually quite enjoy stuff like this.

What I do know is that it took me over 3 weeks to slog through this book. And for me, it WAS a slog, for whatever reason. Not a great sign.

I do think this book is worth checking out because you're different than me, and something in here might work for you. Personally, though, I don't imagine I'll ever read it again.

[NinetyDegreesPastPeriapsis · Rating 1 out of 5]

From the cover to the writing, this looks like the work of AI.

[Carlye · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m inbetween a 2-3 star rating. Some stories I really adored and some seemed to drag on. My favorite by far was the laughing dumpling! Overall it was an easy read and I enjoyed how short the stories were.

[John Fetzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A variety of age and regions

Tales that must be very old, or Shinto, or of ancient gods. Most with little hint of Buddhist beliefs. Morals or irony or karma or with humor.

[Cassie Abrams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun collection of traditional Japanese stories

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is AI garbage.