The Aged Mother is a Japanese folktale that tells the story of a devoted and selfless mother who sacrifices her own happiness for the well-being of her son.
The story begins with a young man named Hikoichi, who lives with his aged mother in a small village in Japan. Hikoichi is a kind and obedient son, and he loves his mother deeply. However, despite his best efforts, Hikoichi is unable to provide for his mother and himself due to their poverty.
One day, the ruling lord of the village announces that he will give a large piece of land to anyone who can solve a difficult riddle. Hikoichi decides to try his luck and sets off to the lord's palace to try to solve the riddle. However, the riddle proves to be too difficult for Hikoichi, and he returns home empty-handed.
Despite his disappointment, Hikoichi's aged mother is proud of her son for trying his best. She encourages him to try again, and Hikoichi sets off to the palace once more. This time, he is able to solve the riddle, and the lord rewards him with a large piece of land.
With this land, Hikoichi is able to provide for his mother and himself, and they live happily together for many years. However, as the years pass, the aged mother grows old and weak, and she is no longer able to take care of herself. Hikoichi is heartbroken, but he remains devoted to his mother and continues to care for her.
One day, the aged mother tells Hikoichi that she is ready to die. She asks him to build a small hut for her on the edge of the village, where she can spend her final days in peace. Hikoichi agrees, and he builds the hut as his mother requested.
The aged mother spends her last days in the hut, surrounded by the love and care of her devoted son. When she passes away, Hikoichi is heartbroken, but he is grateful to have been able to spend her final days with her and to have been able to show her how much he loved her.
The Aged Mother is a powerful tale of love, devotion, and selflessness. It reminds us of the importance of family and the sacrifices that we make for those we love.