死神の名づけ親（第一話）The Godfather of Death

Read a sample in Japanese

What you'll learn

A poor man with twelve children makes Death the godfather of his 13th child. Death grants the boy the ability to see Death's position by a patient's bedside, making him a famous doctor. When the doctor deceives Death twice to save the king and princess, Death lures him to a cave of life candles and extinguishes his own candle.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• ～ために N3Indicates purpose: 'in order to'.
  子どもたちにパンをたべさせるために、男は働きつづけた。
• ～てしまう N4Expresses completion or regrettable action.
  死神の手にはいってしまった。
• ～てみる N4To try doing something.
  死神をだませないものかしらと、お医者が考えてみた。
• ～おう（意向形） N4Volitional form indicating intention: 'let's' or 'try to'.
  おもいきって、やってみろ。
• ～たことがある N5Expresses past experience: 'have done something'.
  王さまが病気にかかったことがある。

Cultural notes

• Godfather DeathThis story is a Japanese adaptation of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale 'Godfather Death'. In both versions, Death serves as a godfather who gives a human the power to see Death's presence, leading to a conflict when the human tries to cheat Death. The concept of a personified Death who grants special abilities is common in European folklore and was adapted into Japanese culture through translated literature.
• 名づけ親 (Nazukeoya) TraditionIn Japan, the 'nazukeoya' (godparent) was traditionally chosen to name a child and guide their upbringing, similar to Christian baptismal sponsors. The practice is less common today but appears in folklore. Choosing a supernatural being as a godparent reflects the family's desperation.

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Topics & grammar

Short Storyfolklorefatedeathdarkphilosophicalaozora bunko〜たことがあるta koto ga aruてみるte miru〜てしまうte shimau〜ためにtame ni