The Ashes that Made Trees Bloom — Question 26
Back to all questionsFirst time when the neighbour tried to be rich, all he got was a foul smelling dead kitten.
In their second attempt the old couple got heap of worms from the dough of rice pastry and the bean sauce. In the third attempt the old man failed to create magic with the ashes. He spoiled daimio’s procession and was killed by his men as a punishment.
Chapter Overview: The Ashes That Made Trees Bloom
This Japanese folk tale tells the story of an old, kind couple and their loyal dog. The dog finds treasure for them, but their greedy neighbours kill the dog. Magical events follow — ashes from the dog's mortar make dead cherry trees bloom. The kind old man is rewarded, while the greedy neighbours are punished.
Author: Japanese folk tale | Book: Honeycomb
Key Themes
- Kindness is rewarded
- Greed leads to punishment
- Loyalty of animals
- Japanese cultural values
Common Mistakes
- Focusing too much on magic rather than the moral
- Not understanding Japanese cultural elements (daimyo, cherry blossoms)
- Confusing the sequence of magical events
- Missing that the story parallels many similar folk tales worldwide
FAQs
How was the kind old man different from his greedy neighbours?
The kind old man was gentle, generous, and grateful. He shared his fortune with others and treated his dog with love. The greedy neighbours were envious, selfish, and cruel. They wanted treasure for themselves and killed the dog when it didn't find any for them. The contrast shows how kindness leads to happiness while greed leads to suffering.
What magical events happened after the dog's death?
After the dog died: (1) The kind old man planted a tree over the dog's grave, which grew quickly. (2) He made a mortar from the tree's wood, which produced rice cakes when used. (3) The greedy neighbours borrowed and broke the mortar. (4) The old man burned the mortar's pieces and the ashes made dead cherry trees bloom. (5) The daimyo rewarded the old man. (6) The greedy neighbour's ashes flew into the daimyo's eyes, bringing punishment.
What is the moral of this story?
The moral is that kindness, generosity, and love are always rewarded, while greed, cruelty, and selfishness bring punishment. The kind old couple's genuine love for their dog and their generous nature led to miraculous rewards. The greedy neighbours, who acted out of envy and were cruel to the dog, faced humiliation and punishment. Good character matters more than material wealth.