THE HAPPY HUNTER AND THE SKILLFUL
FISHER.Long, long ago Japan was governed by Hohodemi, the fourth Mikoto
(or Augustness) in descent from the illustrious Amaterasu, the Sun
Goddess. He was not only as handsome as his ancestress was
beautiful, but he was also very strong and brave, and was famous
for being the greatest hunter in the land. Because of his matchless
skill as a hunter, he was called "Yama-sachi-hiko" or "The Happy
Hunter of the Mountains."
His elder brother was a very skillful fisher, and as he far
surpassed all rivals in fishing, he was named "Unii-sachi-hiko" or
the "Skillful Fisher of the Sea." The brothers thus led happy
lives, thoroughly enjoying their respective occupations, and the
days passed quickly and pleasantly while each pursued his own way,
the one hu
