The White Hare of Inaba: A Timeless Japanese Legend of Trickery and Compassion
Before mighty gods shaped the land and legendary heroes claimed their place in myth, there was a single hare—small, clever, and wounded—who changed the course of a divine journey.
This is the story of the White Hare of Inaba, one of Japan’s oldest and most touching legends. A tale that begins with trickery, descends into suffering, and rises through an act of pure compassion.
Why did the hare deceive the sharks? Who offered cruel advice—and who offered healing? And what fate awaited the god who showed kindness?
Step into a timeless tale—where even the smallest creature teaches us the greatest lesson: that true strength lies in kindness.
The Hare's Clever Trick to Cross the Sea
Long ago, a cunning white hare lived on a remote island off the coast of Inaba, longing to reach the mainland. Seeing a group of sharks swimming nearby, the hare devised a clever plan.
He challenged the sharks:
“Oh mighty sharks! Let us settle a competition—who is more numerous, your kind or mine? Line up across the sea so I may count you!”
Intrigued, the sharks formed a living bridge across the water. The hare hopped from one back to the next, pretending to count—until, near the shore, pride overcame him.
“Foolish sharks! I only tricked you to cross the sea!”
Enraged, the final shark lashed out, tearing the hare’s fur from his body.
Suffering and Cruelty on the Shore
The injured hare lay on the burning sand, his skin raw and exposed. Soon, the Eighty Gods of Izumo passed by on their journey, accompanied by their younger brother, Okuninushi no Mikoto.
Mocking the hare, the elder gods offered cruel advice:
“Bathe in saltwater and dry in the wind—it will heal you.”
But the salt only intensified the pain, and the hare's agony worsened.
Okuninushi’s Healing Wisdom
Then came Okuninushi, a deity known for his wisdom and gentle heart. Kneeling beside the hare, he gave healing counsel:
“Wash your wounds in pure freshwater, then cover yourself with soft cattail fluff. Rest, and you will recover.”
The hare followed his words, and to his amazement, his pain faded, and his fur began to grow again.
A Grateful Prophecy
Moved by Okuninushi’s compassion, the hare declared:
“You, noble Okuninushi, shall marry the beautiful Princess Yagami—for your heart is full of true kindness.”
And so it was—Princess Yagami chose Okuninushi, moved by his noble spirit.
The Enduring Moral of the White Hare Legend
The story of the White Hare of Inaba is more than a Japanese folk tale—it's a profound reminder that:
In a world where cruelty often prevails, compassion and wisdom shine the brightest.
This ancient tale still resonates today, offering readers insight into the values at the heart of Japanese mythology.